Queen Maxima in pictures: Dutch Queen wows at Buckingham Palace state dinner

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace last night hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The 47-year-old looked stunning at the evening reception in full regalia alongside the Queen, 92, Duchess of Cornwall, 71, and Duchess of Cambridge, 36.

The stylish royal chose a strapless midnight blue ombre dress with a diamond bow-shaped brooch at her waist.

A sheer cape that fell to the floor added a modern touch to her beautiful outfit for the opulent event.

She wore a ceremonial blue and gold sash across her body with a insignia star at her hip.

Wearing her hair in a classic chignon, she completed her regal look with the spectacular Stuart tiara, which houses the 39.75 carat, pear-shaped Stuart Diamond.

The incredible pale blue colour diamond, which is often called the Holland Diamond, is very rare and was bought by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1690.

According to fashion blog the Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor, the diamond was returned to the Netherlands in 1702 following the death of William, the Dutch-born Prince of Orange.

Queen Maxima and her husband of 16 years are currently in the UK for a two-day state visit.

The Dutch royals arrived yesterday and took part in a carriage procession along the Mall before taking tea with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

It is the first UK state visit for 36 years by a Dutch monarch.