Queen Mathilde of Belgium Glitters in a Favorite Designer of Kate Middleton for Music Competition in Brussels

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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.

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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 of belgium, king philippe of belgium
Queen Mathilde, left, and King Philippe of Belgium

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, kate middleton, jenny packham
Catherine, Princess of Wales

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 of belgium, king philippe of belgium
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium

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.

Kate Middleton Wearing Jenny Packham Dresses Through the Years

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09:  Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Perk's Field on June 9, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Perk's Field on June 9, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images)
Catherine, Britain's Duchess of Cambridge (C) talks to people at a dinner reception in aid of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal at St James's Palace, in London, on November 10, 2011. The Appeal was launched in April 2009 by its Patron, The Duke of Cambridge, to develop the Arboretum into a world-renowned centre for Remembrance and to ensure that there are necessary facilities for the 300,000 visiting families, servicemen and women, veterans and members of the public each year.  AFP PHOTO/WPA POOL/ LEFTERIS PITARAKIS (Photo credit should read LEFTERIS PITARAKIS/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 12: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Tusk Trust Conservation Awards at The Royal Society on September 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 12: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Tusk Trust Conservation Awards at The Royal Society on September 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

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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.

Queen Mathilde Glitters in Red Jenny Packham for Music Competition
Queen Mathilde Glitters in Red Jenny Packham for Music Competition

Jenny Packham Sungem Sequined Gown

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Launch Gallery: Kate Middleton Wearing Jenny Packham Dresses Through the Years

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