It would have been a good idea if Philippe and his father had joined forces by establishing a house collection and buying several family pieces that have come to the market back.
The Leuchtenberg diamond tiara from Charles, regent and count of Flanders as well as Stephanie de Beauharnais' gold and pearl tiara would both have been fitting additions to that collection and nice pieces for a young princess to wear. The turquoise demi-parure of Marie-Jose could have been a nice addition to the mainly diamond and pearl collection of the Belgian Royals.
--Previous Message-- : I hadn't looked at it that way yet... Maybe : this plays a role too, yes. : : Fact is that Astrid is the only one of : Paola's children who is on good terms with : her parents. They're very close. : : Philippe has always had to do without the : support (and presence) of his parents. I : guess Mathilde's determined character and : sense of duty also clashes with Paola ... : who (in spite of the qualities she has) was : a very reluctant queen. : : Claire and her children are also on good : terms with Paola & Albert, while Laurent : isn't at all. Albert and Paola didn't even : return from holiday when their son was in a : coma... : : Aahh families!! It's always complicated I : guess, just a pity that the Belgian royal : jewels have to be the victim of it... I'd so : love to see that art deco tiara being worn : by crown princess Elisabeth as a young : woman. And she can share it with her : cousins, everybody happy, right? : :