Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Belgium · Britain · Japan · Luxembourg · Monaco

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The Handbag

Welcome to another week of the drama-free blog set in the midst of a drama-laden royal world ; ). Never fear we do have some fashion to distract us.

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The King has been holding audiences at Balmoral, Windsor Castle re-opens, and the King and Queen of Spain continue their busy rounds. See it all here.

Britain

King Charles III is on his first coin. Still very hard for me to comprehend, really.

Our Baguette, geogirl, pointed out that we could do QUITE a re-wear post on King Charles and his favorite overcoat. That coat has been around since the early days, but it’s no doubt been retired at this point and won’t see the light-of-day on a King.

Queen Camilla is dispensing with the position of lady-in-waiting. This is the back-of-the-house approach to a slimmed down monarchy and a sign of the times. I’m entirely sure there will be plenty of staff on hand to take up those duties, although they will have new, modern titles. I also wanted to post this photo because of the appearance of the Queen Mother’s Crystal brooch – one of my favorites. Please, Cams, wear it on a hat.

An official photograph has been released of the four senior British royals. I find it interesting how serious, yet relaxed this photo is. Sign of the changing times.

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Monaco

Mother and daughter were out, albeit at very different events. Princess Caroline was the Honorary President for an exhibit hosted by the Union of Monegasque Women. I like this neckline, but I wish the waistline was a little less blousy. Princess Alexandra wore head-to-knee Giambattista Valli for the designer’s Spring/Summer 2023 show. She’s young and can pull off the expanse of print here.

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Princess Alexandra wasn’t the only member of the family at the spring/summer shows. Princess Charlene supported one of her favorite design houses, Akris, wearing one of their more severe designs. Severe and Char go together like tea and toast.

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I have to say that I just love this woman’s commitment to the pixie.

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Belgium

Prince Gabriel successfully completed his initial installment at the Royal Military Academy. His parents and older sister were there to celebrate with him. Queen Mathilde is wearing a Natan trouser suit – which our Hofdame LiL has dubbed the “ketchup and mustard” outfit – and Princess Elisabeth is wearing a snazzy new haircut and double-breasted dress.

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There is a mini royal share going here. Elisabeth’s cute red Dior clutch was borrowed from her mother.

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Luxembourg

The Grand Duchess is the Patron of Luxembourg’s Red Cross. She appeared with them recently to give medals to blood donors. That is a Dries van Noten leopard print blazer, which is very much in the Duchess’ wheelhouse. Click through to get the full effect of the print.

She also attended the Handicap International’s ‘Pyramide Solidaire’ Day wearing a Dusan ensemble. The coat has a distinctive color and lapels, doesn’t it?

Japan

It’s been almost three years since the Japanese Imperial family has visited regions outside of their home territory. The Empress wore a very fresh blue ensemble with a blue and white hat for the event.

They have really kept Princess Kako busy lately, haven’t they? She attended the 19th Japan Deaf Athletics Championships and 2nd Japan Deaf U18 Athletics Championships, wearing a see-through mask (very clever!!) and a Laisse Passe dress.

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