Queen Mathilde of Belgium made an appearance at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium for Violin 2024 at Bozar in Brussels alongside her husband, King Philippe of Belgium, on Monday. The royals were decked in formal attire for the occasion, with Queen Mathilde opting for a sparkling number courtesy of one of Kate Middleton’s favorite designers.
Queen Mathilde fashioned the Sungem Sequined Gown in Red by Jenny Packham for the royal occasion. The glittering gown featured cap sleeves and a defined waistline, with sequins and sparkling elements cascading over the fabric. Queen Mathilde continued with the monochrome color scheme, opting for a pair of pointed-toe ruby red heels to complete her formal ensemble.
Queen Mathilde, left, and King Philippe of Belgium
Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Getty Images
Queen Mathilde may have taken sartorial inspiration from fellow European royal Kate Middleton for her look at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition. The Princess of Wales has worn Jenny Packham designs for years, dating as far back as June 2011 for one of her first royal engagements as the Duchess of Cambridge at the Ark 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Since then, Kate’s continued to fashion Jenny Packham designs for more than 10 years. Among some of her most recognizable looks, the Princess of Wales wore a white gown with dramatic billowing sleeves and sparkling details to create statement shoulders for a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in November 2022, among one of her first major engagements following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
The image was also used as inspiration for the royal’s latest portrait, which drew controversy following its reveal on May 22.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium
Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Getty Images
Packham’s designs generally lean into glittering embellishments and intricate details with classic silhouettes and a contemporary twist. The designer’s fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection features a number of her staple elements with additional cosmic inspiration. The collection, which debuted during Paris Fashion Week last February, features shooting star and constellation motifs ornately designed across fabrics in hues of gray, red and gold.
Since making her official foray into the spotlight in the early 2010s, Kate Middleton has set a number of fashion trends and revitalized classic looks with a modern edge. Her appreciation for Packham’s designs has always been a staple of her royal wardrobe. Now, it seems, more European royals are taking note.
