Princess Delphine responds to claims she was trying ‘to steal the spotlight’ in bright dress

Princess Delphine of Belgium has hit back at criticism of her short and bright pink dress at National Day celebrations in Brussels on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).

While royal fans were quick to call the dress “inappropriate” on social media, the King’s half-sister said she was simply trying to promote love, while wearing her favourite colour.

“My goal is absolutely not to steal the spotlight or take attention away from anyone else,” Princess Delphine said in an interview with HLN.

“Besides, everyone draws attention in their own way. King Philippe, for instance, has four beautiful children. They stand out because they are truly stunning.”

The 58-year-old who wore a Barbie-core mini dress with a matching headpiece and handbag joked that if anything her ruffled skirt - which was shorter at the back than the front - wasn’t short enough, adding she covered the “wrinkles on [her] elbows” with the long gloves.

“It’s not even short enough,” Princess Delphine protested.

“I can still wear this now, but maybe not in a few years, when everything starts to sag.”

The mum-of-two said the bright pink hue she chose is simply down to it being her favourite colour, as “it radiates joy, fun, and light”, calling it “festive”.

For the royal fans who accused the illegitimate daughter of ex-King Albert of trying to outshine her half-brother and his wife, Queen Mathilde, the artist said fashion is a personal thing and she’s not restricted in the same way as her sister-in-law.

“Within the royal family, there is absolutely no competition between the generations or roles,” Delphine told the publication.

“We all have different parts to play. The Queen has hers, and I have mine. She could dress the way I do, but that isn’t expected of her in her position.”

The artist, who describes herself as a perfectionist when it comes to her looks, worked with stylist Jody Van Geert, who revealed on social media the ensemble too “one year of preparation”.

They collaborated with a raft of Belgian designers including Bert De Coninck for the unique dress, Elvis Pompilio for the matching hat, Maison Rubaiyat for the fingerless gloves, Annelies Timmermans for the handbag, and Morobé the shoes.

Princess Delphine wasn’t the only royal to choose the striking colour for the military parade, with sister-in-law, Princess Claire, also wearing a fuchsia-coloured wrap-style dress as she arrived with her husband - and Delphine’s half brother - Prince Laurent.