diff --git a/src/msw/notebook.cpp b/src/msw/notebook.cpp
index 571f6506fc..cd19ed2b0d 100644
--- a/src/msw/notebook.cpp
+++ b/src/msw/notebook.cpp
@@ -761,6 +761,13 @@ bool wxNotebook::InsertPage(size_t nPage,
         return false;
     }
 
+    // need to update the bg brush when the first page is added
+    // so the first panel gets the correct themed background
+    if ( m_pages.empty() )
+    {
+        UpdateBgBrush();
+    }
+
     // succeeded: save the pointer to the page
     m_pages.Insert(pPage, nPage);