Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wears bizarre hat as she steps out in Curacao

After a tough month, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, 47, was back at her royal duties, on a tour of the Caribbean island of Curacao with her husband.

The royal, who is married to King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander, stepped out today on the island to celebrate Dia di Bandera.

Dia di Bandera, or “day of the flag”, is a holiday on the six islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, including Curacao.

Channelling her festival spirit, the Dutch Queen opted for a bizarre hat choice, reminiscent of a bird of paradise.

The hat was wide-brimmed and turquoise in colours, made from a straw-like material.

The straw acted as a colour base, with splashes of turquoise coming through across the brim of the hat.

It featured whispy straw detailing and the odd turquoise bead places on the top of the hat.

The hat was more appropriate for a day at the beach than a state visit.

Making the outfit slightly more elegant, Maxima paired the hat with a turquoise midi dress.

The dress featured a strappy undergarment, with a sheer turquoise material layered on top.

The top of the dress featured ruched detailing with the sheer layer falling down around her shoulders in a batwing style.

On her feet she opted for turquoise again, wearing a pair of slightly dated looking heeled sandals.

Channelling the heritage of Curacao, her small handbag was heavily beaded and featured an intricate pattern with turquoise jewels.

The 47-year-old accessorised her turquoise ensemble with drop down turquoise earrings, multicoloured bracelets and big dark sunglasses.

The mother-of-three wore her glossy blonde locks in a low bun, keeping her makeup to a minimum in the Caribbean heat.

It has been a tough month for the native Argentinian, with her younger sister tragically passing away at the age of 33.

Just one week after the funeral, Maxima was spotted in Hoorn, Holland, during a regional visit the West-Friesland and North-Holland province.

Maxima wore a stunning and ladylike dress with a full skirt.

The top was made of chiffon and had delicate ruching.

The royal added a cream clutch bag and gloves, and a large wide-brimmed hat.