Petr Pavel awarded 51 state honors at Prague Castle on October 28, 2026, marking an increase of three recipients compared to the previous year. Andrej Babiš attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Monika Babišová, who drew widespread attention by wearing a burgundy dress designed by Petra Balvínové paired with massive gold earrings.
Andrej Babiš attends ceremony with wife Monika
The 108th anniversary of the independent Czechoslovak state brought prominent figures from political, cultural, and public life to the Vladislav Hall. Život v Česku reported that Andrej Babiš arrived alongside his wife Monika, continuing their pattern of appearing side by side at major public events despite living separately for some time. The couple walked in looking subdued with their gazes directed toward the ground, lacking the usual smiles familiar to social media followers.
Babiš returned to the Vladislav Hall as the acting prime minister amid a tense social atmosphere. His cabinet faced criticism and protests over a controversial proposal to abolish television and radio fees, a measure the government defends as a path to stable public media financing while opponents warn of threats to independence. Život v Česku noted that just days before the ceremony, the prime minister faced death threats linked to the broadcasting fee dispute.
Eva Pavlová and Monika Babišová wear purple gowns
First Lady Eva Pavlová surprised attendees by wearing her hair styled in an elegant updo that visually shortened its length, complemented by a light purple gown with a long skirt, a decorated collar, matching clutch, and purple earrings, according to Blesk. Aktuálně.cz noted that Monika Babišová selected a plum or burgundy gown with a rounded neckline, soft gathering at the top, three-quarter sleeves, and a train that expanded from the knees.
Critics at Aktuálně.cz pointed out a distinct contrast in Babišová’s look, observing that while her Petra Balvínová dress, jewelry, and burgundy color aimed for polished evening elegance, her voluminous updo with loose strands felt better suited for a less formal gathering. Blesk highlighted that the deep burgundy shade offered a luxurious alternative to standard black or dark blue options often seen at state ceremonies.
How many people received state honors?
How many people received state honors from President Petr Pavel?
Petr Pavel awarded state honors to 51 individuals, which is three more than the total from the previous year.
What designer created Monika Babišová’s dress for the ceremony?
Monika Babišová wore a deep burgundy gown designed by Petra Balvínové featuring a fitted bodice and a sweeping train.
What political controversy surrounded the prime minister during the event?
Andrej Babiš faced public protests and reported death threats relating to his government’s controversial proposal to eliminate public television and radio broadcasting fees.
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