Queen Maxima in pictures: Modern monarch takes fashion inspiration from Kate Middleton

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands marked the 40th anniversary of the Dutch Association of Insurers by opening their new office at The Hague today.

The Dutch Queen, who is married to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, 51, arrived for the event in a red satin round-neck blouse and an on trend checked skirt.

She finished off the look with a luxurious pair of plum velvet shoes.

The shoes are almost identical to the ones worn by Kate Middleton last week when she opened a photography exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Duchess of Cambridge also sported a checked ensemble for her royal engagement and liked the shoes so much she wore a similar pair for the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on Friday.

Next week the King and Queen of The Netherlands will be paying a State Visit to the UK.

Queen Elizabeth II will host a State Banquet in their honour during their stay at Buckingham Palace.

The royal couple will arrive on October 23 and take tea with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House following a carriage procession along the Mall.

The Dutch royals have had a busy few days. Last night Their Royal Highnesses held audience at Noordeinde Palace with former UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon and his wife Ban Soon-Taek.

And yesterday the 47-year-old joined her husband for a regional visit to Schouwen-Duiveland and Tholen.

The stylish Monarch wore a colourful ensemble for the royal outing in Zeeland.