Princess Delphine of Belgium’s outfit at the country’s National Day festivities divided opinion among royal fans.
The 58-year-old appeared at the annual parade on July 21 outside the Royal Palace in Brussels wearing a pink frock featuring a short hemline, bold shoulder detailing and platform heels, complemented by white gloves extending to the elbow.
According to royal correspondent Wim Dehandschutter, the neckline was designed to form a heart shape, giving the entire ensemble a “love” theme.
The princess, who has become known for her daring fashion choices at official engagements, was accompanied by her husband, American businessman James O’Hare, at the event.
Princess Delphine of Belgium’s outfit at the country’s National Day festivities divided opinion among royal fans
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She was not the only royal to opt for a vibrant hue, as Princess Claire, wife of Prince Laurent and sister-in-law to King Philippe, also chose a pink outfit that caught the eye of onlookers.
The two women’s colourful selections provided a marked contrast to the rest of the Belgian Royal Family, whose members largely favoured more conventional choices.
Several royals wore military dress uniforms, while others appeared in suits or calf-length dresses accessorised with hats or headbands.
Princess Delphine issued the following statement on social media: “On this Belgian National Day, I would like to wish everyone a very happy 21st of July!
“A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Belgian designers and artisans who created this beautiful outfit especially for me. It is an honour to wear your talent and creativity and to celebrate our country while supporting Belgian craftsmanship. Happy National Day, Belgium!”
The 58-year-old appeared at the annual parade on July 21 outside the Royal Palace in Brussels wearing a pink frock featuring a short hemline
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Royal fans took to social media to discuss Delphine’s outfit, with one writing: “What kind of clothing is that?” Another said: “It’s the National Day, not the Met Gala. Some decorum would be appreciated.”
Similarly, someone asked: “Thought this was a solemn occasion?” Finally, a royal watcher wrote: “Very attention-seeking”
However, some fans liked the outfit, with one saying: “Coolest princess of the world.” Another quipped: “Super that you support Belgian designers! You are amazing!! Love!”
Last year, King Albert II of Belgium’s daughter faced criticism for her National Day outfit, which highlighted the work of a non-binary designer, with many fans calling it “inappropriate”.
Delphine attended the 2025 National Day celebrations in an ensemble created by Benjamin Voortmans, a young Belgian non-binary designer.
Royal fans took to social media to discuss Delphine’s outfit, with one writing: ‘What kind of clothing is that?’
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Belgium’s National Day commemorates the historic swearing-in of King Leopold I in 1831, and the annual celebrations in Brussels remain one of the most significant dates in the royal calendar.
Delphine has been a fixture at the event since 2021, following her formal recognition as a member of the Royal Family.
That recognition came after a protracted legal struggle spanning seven years, culminating in a court-ordered DNA test in January 2020 that proved she was the biological child of former King Albert II.
Delphine, born in 1968, is the daughter of Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps, who had a lengthy affair with Albert while he was married to Queen Paola.
Whispers about the existence of a royal love child had swirled for decades before surfacing publicly in a 1999 biography of the Italian-born queen.
Delphine herself spoke out in 2005, but Albert denied her claims and fought the legal proceedings she initiated in 2013, shortly after his abdication.
Delphine has been a fixture at the event since 2021, following her formal recognition as a member of the Royal Family
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Following the DNA confirmation, a Brussels court ruled that Delphine holds the same legal rights as Albert’s three children with Paola, including the title of princess.
Delphine has spoken candidly about navigating her bonds with her half-siblings, King Philippe, Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent.
Speaking on the It’s Reigning Men podcast last year, she acknowledged the complexity of the situation for those on the other side.
“I think it’s difficult for them to accept the situation,” she said, adding: “They don’t dislike me at all, but I think it’s hard for them.”
She also reflected on the personal significance of finally having siblings. “You know, they have their lives. I have mine,” she said. “It is always very nice for me to feel like I have brothers and sisters. I always dreamt of that.”
Albert himself eventually expressed his wish “to put an end in honour and dignity to this painful procedure” after conceding paternity in 2020.