Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Belgium · Britain · Japan · Jordan · Netherlands

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The Handbag

I hope all those who celebrate the U.S./Canadian Mother’s Day had a lovely weekend, with much royal treatment, or that you were able to provide the royal treatment to those in your life who deserve it! The party continues with several birthday-related entries this week.

Some housekeeping notes are on deck before we jump in. Next Monday is a certain Dutch Queen’s half-century birthday. This type of event comes around only once so there will be special programming to honor it properly. Next week’s Bit and Bobs will publish on Tuesday.

Also, the Hofdames will be taking a vacation at the end of the month, from May 31st to June 8th. We will be jump-starting our summer by taking time to rest, reflect, and renew. There will be a Bits post up for the duration so anyone who has any hot royal news can feel free to share.

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It was a solemn Remembrance Day in the Netherlands, the senior Brits were everywhere, and two Kings, Philippe and Abdullah, had a convergence. See it all here.

Back in the Bag

Two years ago we launched our “Defense of the Tiara” series (hard to believe, but true). Our LuckeyGirl ran with a spirited defense of that most maligned of tiaras, the Burmese Ruby.

Britain

Look at these lovely photos of the toile for the coronation gown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen consort of George VI. The toile was the working garment for her actual coronation gown, and you can see the re-working of applique placement and fittings that designer Madame Handley-Seymour made during the design process.

Since we *are* called the Handbag, I would be remiss not to post this photo of the Duchess of Cambridge carrying a small, delightful handbag. The coat is Eponine London, the skirt underneath is thought to be from Zara, and the bag is a Nano Montreal from de Mellier – in smooth toffee leather. She had two visits: Royal London Hospital and the National Portrait Gallery.

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Happy second birthday to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, reaching for the skies of California.

Netherlands

Isn’t this fun? For their Queen’s 50th birthday, fashion designer Victor van Westering has designed a colorful scarf and dress from fashion Illustrator’s Linda Zoon drawings. Fabulous and buoyantly fun, like the Queen they are honoring. If you are so inclined to drop a few bucks to own it, Princess Patricia found a link for us, here.

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Japan

Princess Aiko has a sparkling new haircut and she is feeling it. As she should, she looks terrific. She is seen entering the Imperial Palace to visit the stables to say goodbye to an elderly horse, which is just the sweetest ceremonial gesture ever. Speaking of the Imperial Palace, we have another installment on the structure coming up in the next week or so. Written by our Baguette Marina J, keep an eye out for that one!

Luxembourg

Circling back to last week, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was interviewed by Good Morning America. She reflected on her life both before and during her marriage to HRH the Grand Duke. She made a bold fashion choice for morning television and wore her Alexander McQueen floral brocade blazer. Good morning indeed.

The Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess celebrated the closing of the Octave in the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg. Typically, the fortnight of this traditional religious festival ends with a solemn procession, but covid protocols remain in effect and the event was scaled back. Maria Teresa wore a Maison Rabih Kayrouz jacket, carried a Giorgio Armani clutch and sported a MdeU Miriam de Ungría bracelet.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guilliame and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanies attended the same Pontifical Mass. Stephanie looked particularly springlike with her patterned blue dress and fascinating structural hair. Really, I am still trying to determine how she did it.

Ok, I know who you really came to see. Happy first birthday, sir!

Jordan

Queen Rania continues her support of individual entrepreneurship by and for women. She also continues wearing traditionally themed clothes very well.

Belgium

Queen Mathilde in soft pink bright white Giorgi Armani is making me very happy, so we’ll end with it. I know colorful Tils loves her bold hues, but I think the pastels whites are very pretty on her.

Comments

We’re so happy you are here. Please, sit down, enjoy, and add your contributions to the comments all week long.