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Princess Delphine of Belgium has claimed that "everyone seeks the spotlight" in response to accusations that she wore an "attention-seeking" outfit to the country's National Day festivities.
The princess has become known for her daring fashion choices - Tuesday's outing was no different.
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.
She was accompanied by her husband, American businessman James O'Hare, at the event.
Royal fans were quick to criticise the choice of outfit, most notably for its length at the back, with one saying simply: "It's the National Day, not the Met Gala. Some decorum would be appreciated."
Today, the princess has offered a strong and heartfelt response in an interview with Belgian outlet HLN, where she insisted "pink is simply my colour".
"It’s not even short enough!" she protested to the paper. "I can still wear this now, but maybe not in a few years, when everything starts to sag."
She added: "We wanted to present something super classic this year. But look where it ended up.
"It is absolutely not my intention to steal the spotlight or take it away from someone else.
"Besides, everyone seeks the spotlight in their own way. King Philippe, for example, has four beautiful children. They stand out because they are truly stunning."
The dress was designed by Bert De Coninck, and, according to royal correspondent Wim Dehandschutter, the neckline was intended to form a heart shape, giving the entire ensemble a "love" theme.
Princess Delphine 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.
Several other royals, meanwhile, wore military dress uniforms, while others appeared in suits or calf-length dresses accessorised with hats or headbands.
The princess issued a statement on social media on the day, thanking "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," she added. "Happy National Day, Belgium!"
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 called Benjamin Voortmans, with many fans calling it "inappropriate".
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.
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