Moldova's President, Maia Sandu is making a two-day State Visit to Norway. On the evening of May 6, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway held a gala dinner in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu at the Royal Palace in Oslo. Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princes Astrid of Norway were present at the gala dinner. On Tuesday, the state visit continues with visits to institutions including Norad and NUPI.
CAROLINA HERRERA Floral Print Embellished Gown
Oh wow!!! Two state banquets on the same day--a blessing of riches!. I have to give the win here to Madame President Sandu--what a gorgeous gown and the embroidery on the top is beautiful. Very elegant. Queen Sonja's jewels make her look--the gray or silver gown is pretty but rather plain so the gorgeous pearls add that regal touch to her gown. I love, love, love Princess Astrid's gown! The beautifully embroidered or appliqued gold column gown is so elegant. She is the best dressed of the royal ladies. M-M is a bit of a disappointment. The gown--at least in the pictures--looks a bit like her favorite Little House on the Prairie style. The fabric on the shouders doesn't seem to belong at all. I really hope it looks better in person. The pale pink shade is a wonderful color for her so I guess its the style of the gown that I don't like.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Sonja looked as beautiful and regal as ever in that silver gray dress. And I love the First Lady's dress. Not a fan of Metre Marit's dress. It looks more like a summer dress than evening wear. Nou even a lovely tiara can give it a lift
ReplyDeleteI think even for a head of State these visits to countries with royals must be quite daunting, especially as this lady is doing it alone. Such a pity she doesn’t have a family member to accompany her. She looks relaxed and confident nevertheless. It is interesting that amongst all the beautiful jewels she has chosen to wear no jewellery and still looks beautiful. The royal ladies all look fine, but nothing that really appeals to me. LRB
ReplyDeleteI've heard many people say that having class is all about making people feel at ease and not act like...holier-than-thou, and I personally think (hope) that royals are experts at meeting new people and creating good vibes with them! :)
Delete@LRB I agree.
DeleteIn some countries royals when they receive a president or when they are invited for a state visit to a country where the head of state is a president, the royal ladies are not wearing a tiara because they wish not to draw all the attention on themselves and out of respect for the first lady, or in this case of the female president who cannot wear a tiara.
Moldova is in financial trouble. Ms. Maia Sandu is being very sensible.
DeleteHappy to see my king up and going again!! Sonja looks good, so does Astrid, happy she’s walking!!! MM, what to say, looks like a dress for small girls…. The president nice, but a little dull.
ReplyDeleteI saw another photo from the same evening where Astrid was in a wheelchair, but that she is able to walk part of the time is wonderful. The aide walking with her had her arm firmly held, to assist.
DeleteToujours de l’élégance chez la reine Sonja dans ce très joli gris ; heureuse de voir que la princesse Astrid était debout dans sa robe jaune satin qu’elle a l’air de beaucoup aimer !
ReplyDeleteMy favorite dress is the Presidents.
ReplyDeleteA very smart looking outfit.
Normally I love MM ' s feminine and floaty dresses but I think this one is perhaps a bit girly for her age.
Wow, the Queen looks beautifull !
ReplyDeleteAs does her sister-in-law as well as the president.
Princess MM is a bit too girly to my taste.
I have to 😃 😀 😄 Letizia comes in Carolina Herrera dress and gets applause. MM comes in one and are of course slaughtered. Mary comes in a gown with floral patterned and is put on a pedestal. MM has a prairie dress on. Some people can never win. I don't see anything wrong with the dress. The colour is lovely on her. I guess this is not a prairie or a girly kids dress.
ReplyDeletehttps://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Jyf1fVLSSO3HjYN_mLbOT8F1eyM=/fit-in/828x1500/filters:format_auto():extract_cover():upscale()/2018/01/06/997/n/1922564/2eed653b5a5153f2202b92.09001617_edit_img_cover_file_18660688_1515273421.jpg
I don't think the comparisons are apples to apples. Also, designers can vary in their designs and it's all about choosing the style that works best for your overall look and body type, etc. I don't honestly think Letizia or Mary would wear this dress, and if they did, I would imagine it would be altered somewhat to a more sophisticated style, perhaps using the same fabric, without the frills. Mette-Marit is a lovely woman and seems very nice, plus she's still out there serving despite health issues. Nonetheless, fashion-wise, I sometimes wonder if she feels that she is being "less-is-more" streamlined and elegant when the final result is more on the frumpy side. It's quite difficult to articulate but it's something I've always wondered about.
Delete-Aloise
Mette Marit dresses like a little girl or schoolgirl (today's reception) and to me this is not good enough on official occasions, state dinners etc. She should take advise from her MiL who is wearing an elegant and sophisticated caped dress. No frills needed .
DeleteCrown Princess Mette-Marit’s dress is lovely, but not for a State visit gala dinner.
DeleteI often don’t agree with the «stunning» fashion praises of Queen Letizia and Queen Mary, but are in a minority on this blog.
MMs dress looks more regal on the model, maybe wear dresses that fit ones body type
DeleteI usually love Carolina Herrera gowns but this one is over designed and almost childish. Remove the flowers for sure. Mette Merrit seems a sweet woman, but this dress does nothing for her.
DeleteCinci
The men are very dashing in their uniforms. The ladies all in lovely gowns. I like the fit of MM dress except the sleeves are a bit snug. Perhaps if the gown was sleeveless or longer 3/4 sleeve it would look better on her and be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Sandu wins hands-down here in her slightly folklore inspired gown. Nice to see CP Mette-Marit wearing the Amethysts. Her dress, although Carolina Herrera, makes no lasting impression on me. Queen Sonja looks fabulous in all these pearls.
ReplyDeleteI think President Maia Sandu is not wearing a dress but a black skirt and a blouse with an ethnic design of her country.
ReplyDeleteThat is what I have heard as well. She is stunning in it.
DeleteSo lovely!!! Greetings from ASTRID from AUSTRIA :)
ReplyDeleteMrs. President Maia Sandu (52) is an economist, a graduate of Harvard, she previously served as Minister of Education and Prime Minister of Moldova, she has been president for 3 years. Her evening dress is inspired by the Moldovan national costume. Mrs. Sandu is not married, and no partner accompanies her on state visits. She is a beautiful woman and looks significantly younger. I really like her simple hairstyle.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
The president is wearing a traditional Modovian top called “ie”, it is part of the Modovian and Romanian traditions for millennia. I applaud her for showing the world her country’s heritage. If you get a chance, you should google her background, she is a very remarkable, courageous and distinguished woman. Also well articulated and she speaks 6 languages.
ReplyDeleteCH
The President looks stunning, this is a beautiful gown.
ReplyDeletePss Astrid, how splendid she looks, beautiful jewels, love her gown.
Queen Sonja, her grey gown looks elegant, love her selection of jewels, particularly her brooch beautiful piece.
CP MM this gown I don't like at all. Her tiara, lacks substance. Overall not a good presentation.
I think the president of Moldova is the best-dressed here; elegant outfit. I do not care for Mette-Marit’s dress, which to me looks rather juvenile with the pattern and puffed sleeves for a state dinner. The floral things on the shoulders are odd.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
Nice gowns. Pss Astrid seems to do well, so it is a pleasure seeing her there too. MM's gown I think would fit better for Estelle or Ingrid Alexandra. css
ReplyDeleteAt the dining table, queen Silvia with a big tiara and pearl necklaces and earrings talking with the President of Moldova, totally jeweless, make quite a contrast.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant queen Sonja.
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