Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander celebrate 20th wedding anniversary - photos


The Dutch royals married on 2 February 2002


queen maxima king willem
February 2, 2022
Queen Máxima and Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands wave from a balcony adorned with white flowers.

A little under a year after Queen Beatrix announced their official engagement, Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Máxima Zorreguieta made their love official on 2 February 2002.

As the couple celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, we're taking a look at Maxima and Willem-Alexander's big day, including the Queen's stunning wedding dress which was surprisingly similar to that of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex...

Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

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Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander in formal attire, standing together in a grand hall.

The bride wore a beautiful gown by Valentino. The dress was made of ivory mikado silk that accompanied a cowl neckline and three-quarter sleeves and a stunning 16.4ft lace train. The former banker topped off her look with a diamond tiara and a lace veil. Meghan Markle, meanwhile, also opted for three-quarter sleeves, a silk material and a 16ft train. Photo: Jeroen van der Meyde

MORE: 22 iconic royal wedding dresses that went down in history

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in a white gown, accompanied by attendants in red dresses.

Maxima's bridesmaids held on to her stunning lace train as she and her new husband walked out of the church on their wedding day. Photo: UK Press/Getty Images

Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in military uniform, holding a sword, walking by a car.

Willem made his way into the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam church in Holland before officially saying "I do" to his bride. On his wedding day, the Prince wore the full Captain in the Royal Netherlands Navy uniform. The Prince's wedding day fit was decorated with the Accession Medal 1980, ribbon and star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands, the Officer’s Cross and star of a Knight of the House Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands smiling and waving from a carriage.

The new royal waved to guests as she rode away with her husband. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in a white gown, walking with a man in military uniform, surrounded by officers holding swords.

With honor! The Prince and his leading lady made their way out of the church and was greeted by an arch of swords held by Officers of the Royal Netherlands Navy. In total 1,900 military personnel took part in the ceremony. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Charles, Prince of Wales, in military uniform with medals, looks surprised next to another man in a suit.

Prince Charles made his way to the ceremony. Queen Elizabeth's son was among the likes of Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon of Norway. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Queen Máxima in a white gown with a long train, surrounded by family members including Prince Constantijn and Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Willem-Alexander and Maxima posed with their family after the ceremony. Photo: KOEN SUYK/AFP/Getty Images

A royal carriage with a person inside, pulled by horses, surrounded by attendants in uniform.

Just like in the fairytales, the bride and groom left the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in a horse drawn carriage. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Man in military uniform kisses woman in white gown holding flowers, both wave.

Willem-Alexander showed off his new bride on the balcony of the Royal Palace. The couple, who are now parents to Princess Ariane, Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange and Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, shared their first public kiss. Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

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