The Royal Dress Code: Who Styles Princess Elisabeth?
Ah, the life of a royal! You’d think Princess Elisabeth has an entourage of stylists at her beck and call—a veritable army of fashion police clashing over which tiara goes best with what dress. But let’s spill the tea: that’s not quite the case! No beauty squad trailing behind her like a flock of pigeons on the streets of Brussels. Instead, we have a down-to-earth princess who often opts for her mother’s advice over a legion of fashion experts.
Sophie Lagesse, our knowledgeable guide into the realm of royal fashion, enlightens us that “She is quite simple, and her outfits are often chosen with her mother.” Yes, you heard that right! Just like any other 23-year-old, Princess Elisabeth sometimes finds herself in good old family consultations, picking out outfits instead of debating the merits of cottage-core versus haute couture.
More Freedom than You’d Expect
So, what’s going on with her wardrobe? Sure, the princess is occasionally spotted sporting attire from “Belgian or even foreign designers,” but ultimately, it boils down to her personal taste. Forget strict protocols, at least compared to other royal families. The situation is far more relaxed here. Sophie points out, “There is a protocol, but no strict ban… nothing set in stone.” Meanwhile, across the Channel, Princess Kate can’t even think about sporting jeans, and Meghan Markle’s bare shoulders practically sent the royal family into a tizzy!
Imagine that! Here’s Princess Elisabeth, zipping about in jeans and embracing a more approachable style, not quite the ‘to the manor born’ look you might expect. Sophie tells us these young royals need to “reflect a certain society and a certain generation.” It’s all about the dress code du jour, mixed with a pinch of youthful flair—and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a bit of that?
The Balancing Act of Royal Photography
Now, let’s move onto the royal photoshoots! You thought they just cobbled together a few snaps while frolicking in the garden? Oh, how wrong you are! Xavier Baert, the spokesperson for the Royal Palace, makes it clear that these sessions are as planned as a military operation. With occasions ranging from Christmas to birthdays, precision timing is key: shoot at the right moment! Apparently, Christmas photos often get snapped in the summer—because nothing says “festive cheer” quite like a sunburned royal.
When it comes to fashion choices, there’s no one-way ticket to the royal wardrobe. Each photo has its own dress code depending on the nature of the event. For example, during the national holiday, don’t be surprised to see Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel looking sharp in their uniforms. Meanwhile, their birthday photo will likely look more relaxed and fun—like a Sunday family BBQ without the awkward interactions with relatives.
Royal Fashion: Who Ya Gonna Call?
The choice of photographer isn’t left up to chance either. As if picking a dress wasn’t complicated enough, you can bet that each family photo involves meticulous planning. “We first decide on the photographer with whom we want to work,” Xavier calmly states. Because what if they chose someone who only takes selfies or, heaven forbid, awkward family portraits with forced smiles?
Enter Max Bueno—a Harvard student and informal photographer—who recently captured the princess in all her study-time glory. Not to worry, he’s no stranger to the royal family and has had the privilege of snapping photos before; this isn’t some random TikTok star getting an unexpected hall pass in the royal realm.
In Conclusion
If you’re expecting Princess Elisabeth to burst onto the scene in a flaming hot pink gown with an oversized feather boa, you might want to adjust your expectations. Her style reflects tradition—classic, elegant clothing adapted to modern sensibilities. After all, a royal’s job isn’t just about looking good; it’s about representing a modern monarchy that resonates with today’s youth while keeping a strong foot in tradition.
So the next time you spot her in the tabloids or on social media, take a moment to appreciate the thought and effort that goes into every outfit—and remember, every royal’s appearance has got more layers than your average onion!
During official photo sessions, Princess Elisabeth appears at her best. But who really decides on her outfits, her poses and her public image? In other words, how much freedom does she have in her carefully orchestrated appearances?
Contrary to what one might imagine for an heir to the throne, Princess Elizabeth does not depend on a team of stylists to choose her outfits. “She doesn’t have a ‘beauty squad’ behind her, as they say in the United States, who follows her everywhere. She is quite simple, and her outfits are often chosen with her mother”immediately explains Sophie Lagesse, journalist specializing in the royal family.
Although the princess sometimes obtains supplies from “Belgian or even foreign designers”each clothing choice therefore remains personal. “She is independent enough to choose the colors and outfits she wants to wear. Her mother, who is very present and gives good advice, can suggest appropriate outfits for each event, as any mother would do for her daughter”she continues.
The princess’s clothing choices, however, follow a protocol, but without strict constraints. “There is a protocol, but no strict ban, nothing set in stone”specifies the specialist, who compares this freedom with the much more formal framework imposed in other European monarchies: “In England, princesses have been advised against wearing jeans. Princess Kate is also asked not to wear skirts above the knee. Meghan Markle has made some surprising clothing choices, such as wearing bare shoulders, which was a bit shocking.”
Reflecting today’s youth
In Belgium, Princess Elisabeth is sometimes seen in jeans, a more casual choice. A way for her to also fit into the era of the times.“These young princesses must also reflect a certain society and a certain generation and stick to the dress code of today’s youth”underlines Sophie Lagesse, who nevertheless adds that the princess adopts a style “less eccentric” than some girls her age. “In general, these are traditional and classic clothes, adapted to current fashion. Something that can suit as many people as possible.”
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During the year, several photo sessions are scheduled for the royal family. “There are the traditional sessions for Christmas greeting cards, or birthdays”explains Xavier Baert, the spokesperson for the Royal Palace. More specific shootings can also be organized to mark particular events. “For example, last year, we produced a series of photos for King Albert’s 90th birthday, bringing together three generations: King Albert, King Philippe and Princess Elisabeth.”
According to the spokesperson, the codes therefore vary depending on the occasion. “In this case, at Harvard, the photos show the princess in her study environment, in a more natural posture.” For official events, however, the style is much more formal. “During the national holiday in 2023, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel paraded in uniform”indicates the spokesperson. “This shoot was obviously much more formal than the recent photos for her 23rd birthday.”
A reflection in advance
You will have understood, taking official photos of the princess cannot be improvised. It is still a question of looking after the image of the Belgian monarchy in the media and on social networks. “There is obviously some thought beforehand, in particular to determine the ideal time for the session”underlines Xavier Baert. Planning is far from easy, particularly due to the often busy schedules of members of the royal family. “It becomes even more complex when the entire family must be present”he specifies, which explains why Christmas photos are often taken in summer.
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When it comes to the choice of photographer, here too, nothing is left to chance. “We first decide on the photographer with whom we want to work for this or that occasion. And then with him, we also start looking for suggestions that we can make on the setting, and on the type of photo what we want to do.”
Currently in the United States to continue her studies, Princess Elizabeth was recently photographed by Harvard student, Max Bueno. “He’s not an official photographer”specifies the spokesperson, “but an acquaintance of the princess, also passionate about photography. He had already taken photos of the princess when she arrived for her master’s degree at Harvard”concludes the Palace spokesperson, who recalls that their mission is above all to “make proposals and advise” the princess.
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