Maxima: 2021 Events

[anastasia beaverhausen]

I agree Missynat. Those are lines she got from living her life, so why deny them?

[Lady Liebe]

I agree Missynat. Those are lines she got from living her life, so why deny them?

 

  one for each.

[Aubiette]

Wearing a coat just hanging from the shoulders is obviously only a "crime" when committed by Letizia.  

I think it’s stupid regardless of who does it. Unless as someone else said, there is an injury.

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/cultuur...ag-in-het-middelpunt.html

Walking along with Máxima for a year: 'She doesn't like to be the center of attention'

Many people would like to spend a year with Queen Máxima. Royalty journalist Rick Evers did it and describes his experiences in the book Máxima. More than Majesty. The chance that the queen will ever talk about her innermost thoughts in an interview seems small, according to Evers: "That distracts too much from her work."

Evers had the idea to write a book about Máxima for a while. The queen's fiftieth birthday on May 17, 2021 seemed like a good occasion to him. "The most frequently asked questions are: what is Máxima like in real life and what does her life look like? Many books have already been published about her, but not one that answers these questions."

The idea was to follow her for a year to get a picture of it. But due to the outbreak of COVID-19, things went quite differently with a canceled King's Day and Zoom meetings.

"Fortunately, I was still able to experience many of her activities," says Evers. "What I could not have imagined is that people who are so close to her or who work for the palace wanted to talk to me so openly about how Máxima is private. That way I was able to get very close."

What Evers already knew, but could now experience up close, is that Máxima is very committed to all projects in which she is involved. "There is a huge staff available, but she reads through all available documents and wants to be aware of everything herself. That is also the big difference with Willem-Alexander. Where his function is more ceremonial and not political at all, Máxima is in between. all politicians, presidents, ministers and bank governors gather around the table. "

'Sitting still is not an option for her'
Máxima is always professional, Evers explains, but also demanding. "She sets high standards for everything and everyone. But especially for herself. The best is not good enough quickly. Sitting still is not an option for her: everything has to be bigger, better and more beautiful, also for the Netherlands and the organizations she works for."

Máxima's agenda is therefore overcrowded, but that is entirely her own choice. "The role of the king or queen is fixed, that of the partner of the head of state is not. In a manner of speaking, you can also sit on the couch all day."

That's not for Máxima, says Evers. "From the beginning, she was looking for a role that would not only be ceremonial and in which she could continue to flourish. She has taken a lot of freedom in that. And whether she is among the homeless or world leaders, she does it with the same ease. She differs. day and night of the average Dutch person, but because of her warmth she has become very much our queen. "


Máxima makes time for her family
According to Evers, Máxima also thinks about her peace and quiet and takes into account that she makes enough time for her family. She also wants to see her family in Argentina regularly and she is willing to do a lot for that. "Before the corona period, she sometimes took the night flight to Argentina," says Evers.

"She arrived in the morning, spent the day with her mother and then left for the Netherlands at the end of the afternoon, so that she could wave again somewhere at 10:00 the next morning as if nothing was wrong.  The advantage is that she is in business class so she flies comfortably, plus she only needs five hours of sleep per night. She also expects that from her staff, haha. They sometimes have to put on the brakes on her. "

'Interview distracts from her work'
Rumor has it that Máxima will give an interview around her fiftieth birthday, just like her husband did four years ago.

"She often gives interviews about her work for the United Nations, but not much can be found about her work in the Netherlands. She talks little about it, as if it should not be overheard", says Evers. "It would be nice to see how things work behind the palace walls and how, for example, state visits are prepared. It is craftsmanship that happens there."

The royalty expert thinks the chance that this will happen is small. "I think that Máxima thinks that such an interview or documentary distracts too much from her work. In addition, she does not like to be the center of attention. When photos are selected for the annual report, she often finds that she herself is too prominent. the picture is in. Máxima wants to stay away from the side of the monarchy that stands for wealth and pomp, because such conversations quickly turn to money and expenditure. interview. Willem-Alexander also scored a lot of points at the time. "

The first copy of 'Máxima. More than Majesty ', Evers presented on Wednesday at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

[anastasia beaverhausen]

Thanks Princi! 

What an interesting read.  I’m not sure I buy into all of this, but this does present a different picture of her than I expected.

Regarding the need for privacy, I guess Max is one of those introverts who can project an extroverted personality to the world if she needs to.

[ralf103]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

[katymc2]

Interesting. I suppose it explains how she hasn’t bored with just ribbon cutting and the more mundane aspects of Royal life. Kudos to Dutch Royals realising someone who had a job beforehand needed to keep busy in her new life.

There is a tv series starting 10 May on NPO1 in the Netherlands - Dionne Dichtbij- covering the same ground.

[Kristallinchen]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

[Gemsheal]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

One does have to consider, that there's a kind of slow-moving corruption that affects the character of the person who marries in.   Not necessarily, I hasten to add, "corruption" in the sense that they become morally corrupt.   But just, you know ...  the standard of living is staggering!   Coming in as an ordinary person who earned their own money and held down a job ... and now you live with servants, with all the bowing & scraping and the outright fawning, living in a palace (or two or three), plus there's designer wear for the asking, access to stylists; the pressure to stay pretty & thin (especially if you're insecure), the loss of contact with ordinary friends and people, etc. ... all of which is bound to have a kind of corrupting effect on 99.9 % of ordinary persons who marry into a Royal standard of life.   

I think Maxima has avoided MOST of these pitfalls, or at least, her preoccupation with the "goodies" is not quite so visible as say, Mary of Denmark.  At the very least ... she hasn't screwed around with her face à la Mary, or Letizia or Rania.   She does seem to enjoy clothes & jewels but ... she wears the jewels so well!!                   

[Principessa]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

One does have to consider, that there's a kind of slow-moving corruption that affects the character of the person who marries in.   Not necessarily, I hasten to add, "corruption" in the sense that they become morally corrupt.   But just, you know ...  the standard of living is staggering!   Coming in as an ordinary person who earned their own money and held down a job ... and now you live with servants, with all the bowing & scraping and the outright fawning, living in a palace (or two or three), plus there's designer wear for the asking, access to stylists; the pressure to stay pretty & thin (especially if you're insecure), the loss of contact with ordinary friends and people, etc. ... all of which is bound to have a kind of corrupting effect on 99.9 % of ordinary persons who marry into a Royal standard of life.   

I think Maxima has avoided MOST of these pitfalls, or at least, her preoccupation with the "goodies" is not quite so visible as say, Mary of Denmark.  At the very least ... she hasn't screwed around with her face à la Mary, or Letizia or Rania.   She does seem to enjoy clothes & jewels but ... she wears the jewels so well!!                   

For several years now, my (Dutch) father has made it clear that he is not that impressed with Maxima. He himself thinks she is too made, she gives him the impression (based on what he sees in the media, etc., since he has never seen her in real life).

[leatherface]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

One does have to consider, that there's a kind of slow-moving corruption that affects the character of the person who marries in.   Not necessarily, I hasten to add, "corruption" in the sense that they become morally corrupt.   But just, you know ...  the standard of living is staggering!   Coming in as an ordinary person who earned their own money and held down a job ... and now you live with servants, with all the bowing & scraping and the outright fawning, living in a palace (or two or three), plus there's designer wear for the asking, access to stylists; the pressure to stay pretty & thin (especially if you're insecure), the loss of contact with ordinary friends and people, etc. ... all of which is bound to have a kind of corrupting effect on 99.9 % of ordinary persons who marry into a Royal standard of life.   

I think Maxima has avoided MOST of these pitfalls, or at least, her preoccupation with the "goodies" is not quite so visible as say, Mary of Denmark.  At the very least ... she hasn't screwed around with her face à la Mary, or Letizia or Rania.   She does seem to enjoy clothes & jewels but ... she wears the jewels so well!!                   

For several years now, my (Dutch) father has made it clear that he is not that impressed with Maxima. He himself thinks she is too made, she gives him the impression (based on what he sees in the media, etc., since he has never seen her in real life).

I agree with him, I believe that Max's public persona is constructed.

However, that persona is always professional, engaged and personable. If one is going to be fake, one can do a lot worse than this.

[fairy]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

One does have to consider, that there's a kind of slow-moving corruption that affects the character of the person who marries in.   Not necessarily, I hasten to add, "corruption" in the sense that they become morally corrupt.   But just, you know ...  the standard of living is staggering!   Coming in as an ordinary person who earned their own money and held down a job ... and now you live with servants, with all the bowing & scraping and the outright fawning, living in a palace (or two or three), plus there's designer wear for the asking, access to stylists; the pressure to stay pretty & thin (especially if you're insecure), the loss of contact with ordinary friends and people, etc. ... all of which is bound to have a kind of corrupting effect on 99.9 % of ordinary persons who marry into a Royal standard of life.  

I think Maxima has avoided MOST of these pitfalls, or at least, her preoccupation with the "goodies" is not quite so visible as say, Mary of Denmark.  At the very least ... she hasn't screwed around with her face à la Mary, or Letizia or Rania.   She does seem to enjoy clothes & jewels but ... she wears the jewels so well!!                    

For several years now, my (Dutch) father has made it clear that he is not that impressed with Maxima. He himself thinks she is too made, she gives him the impression (based on what he sees in the media, etc., since he has never seen her in real life).

I think the dutch royals are living the high life, those pitfall you mentioned above Gemsheal, have all seen them fall in. But for some reason, Maxima usually avoids persecution.
Usually, I'd say, since some come back to bite her in the behind: The Holiday Dilemma last year, rumours of ridiculously expensive cost of Living :I remember a scandal of an outrageously priced Patio furniture, of argentine Beef being flown in esp. for their regular consumption, not just for a specific Gala dinner, of Villas here and there, of land purchase of shady Connections etc..
While we slam the danish for their atrocious and psychodelic renovation of their lovely historic Palace, Maxima has avoided any critic of her rather ..unusual and megalomanic idea to decorate a room with her DNA structure.
There have been numerous Reports that while Maxima appears interested and warm, she is rather dismissive to everyone she deems below her.
All in all, I think however, that what she does, lording over everyone with charisma and larger than life attitude works very well with her status as Queen.
She seems extremely cheerful, any of the "I am above you" lapses are apparently well covered, she makes her dull husband look good as well, instead of walking over him and making his deficencies all too obvious. She is glamorous, intelligent, has a lot of social graces and has a good hand at choosing her projects. Plus, while it is clearly obvious, that she loves and revels in her position, she doesn't give a "let them eat cake" vibe to the general public.
IMO all These traits make a good queen. What else can you ask for?

[chocolate_angel]

Hopefully the book gets translated

[anastasia beaverhausen]

Would be interesting to see/hear more. At the moment it sounds rather fawning as if Maxima can do no wrong which is never a good look.

ITA. It's sounds like worshipping Maxima like a newfound godess.

One does have to consider, that there's a kind of slow-moving corruption that affects the character of the person who marries in.   Not necessarily, I hasten to add, "corruption" in the sense that they become morally corrupt.   But just, you know ...  the standard of living is staggering!   Coming in as an ordinary person who earned their own money and held down a job ... and now you live with servants, with all the bowing & scraping and the outright fawning, living in a palace (or two or three), plus there's designer wear for the asking, access to stylists; the pressure to stay pretty & thin (especially if you're insecure), the loss of contact with ordinary friends and people, etc. ... all of which is bound to have a kind of corrupting effect on 99.9 % of ordinary persons who marry into a Royal standard of life.   

I think Maxima has avoided MOST of these pitfalls, or at least, her preoccupation with the "goodies" is not quite so visible as say, Mary of Denmark.  At the very least ... she hasn't screwed around with her face à la Mary, or Letizia or Rania.   She does seem to enjoy clothes & jewels but ... she wears the jewels so well!!                   

For several years now, my (Dutch) father has made it clear that he is not that impressed with Maxima. He himself thinks she is too made, she gives him the impression (based on what he sees in the media, etc., since he has never seen her in real life).

I agree with him, I believe that Max's public persona is constructed.

However, that persona is always professional, engaged and personable. If one is going to be fake, one can do a lot worse than this.

  For you and Fairy.

While we don’t really know what Max is like (other than what we see), she does the public persona really well.

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/cultuur...jubileumzegel-maxima.html

Roughly translated as:

Private photo from Willem-Alexander's room used for the anniversary stamp Máxima

Queen Máxima will receive her own stamp in honor of her fiftieth birthday on 17 May. Her husband, King Willem-Alexander, also received such a stamp when he turned fifty.

The stamp sheetlet 'Queen Máxima 50 years old' has five stamps. According to PostNL, it will be given a striking layout because the stamp with the black and white portrait of the queen is twice the size of the stamps with the color photos. The stamps are intersected by narrow, kinked lines in the colors of the Dutch flag.

The black and white portrait is a private photo that normally appears in the king's office. Designer Maud van Rossum saw the photo during a TV speech by Willem-Alexander and asked permission to use this image.

"It's a beautiful image, very intimate", says Van Rossum. "I don't think a queen has ever been depicted like that on a stamp." The color photos are by photographer Robin Utrecht.

The Máxima stamps, which are suitable for mail up to 20 grams within the Netherlands, will be available from 17 May. It is not the first time that the queen has received her own seal: in 2019 a set of stamps was released with portraits of the entire royal family. However, it never happened before that Máxima was the only one to be seen on a stamp sheetlet.