Entourage: New Advisor for Mathilde

24 July 2026

Quite a landslide in the Belgian Queen's entourage has happened as Mathilde's main advisor, Machteld Fostier (68) who's been with her since 1999, has retired. In September 2026, at the start of the new royal year, she will be replaced by Marleen Steenbrugghe.

A skilled and experienced diplomat, Machteld Fostier was with Mathilde from her very first days on the royal scene. For years she was the Princess's only close collaborator, they worked together daily. Wherever Mathilde went, Machteld was present - both at the office and during public activities in Belgium and abroad.

During a two year break, from 2006 to 2008, Machteld Fostier didn't work for Mathilde, but was the Belgian Head of mission in Washington. In 2009 she took up her former position again. When Mathilde became Queen in 2013, Machteld stayed in place, from then on with the title of private secretary.

Just like Mathilde, Machteld Fostier has been a very loyal and dedicated worker, a perfectionist. 

Over the years the two women seem to have become personal friends. When King Philippe was running the 20 kilometers through Brussels in 2014, Machteld came along with Mathilde and the children to cheer him on. She's also known to have selected children's clothing for the princes and princesses when Mathilde was too busy with work.

Machteld Fostier is succeeded by Marleen Steenbrugghe (40) who previously worked as an advisor on multilateral affairs in the cabinet of Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot. 

Steenbrugghe studied law and holds a master's degree in international relations and conflict management.

She began her diplomatic career in 2009 and gained experience at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union, the Belgian Embassy in Thailand, and at various international institutions in Geneva. Between 2015 and 2020, she worked at the Belgian representation to the United Nations. Subsequently, she served for five years with the European Union delegation in Geneva. 

Machteld Fostier will remain at Mathilde's disposal for certain special activities. 

Next Step for Eléonore: Liberal Arts in Holland

23 July 2026

Court announced today that Princess Eléonore (18) will be starting a bachelor in Liberal Arts & Sciences at the honours college of Utrecht University in The Netherlands.

Eléonore's college programme will last three years and does not have a fixed curriculum, she will chose her own package of courses from the humanities, the exact sciences, and the social sciences. At the end of the programme, depending on the choices she makes, Eléonore will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

The course is completely in English. 

Both Eléonore's cousin Princess Louise and Joséphine O'Hare, Princess Delphine's daughter, have opted for a similar course, also in The Netherlands albeit at other universities. It's not been made public which specific sciences they have opted for. 

Utrecht is some 180 kilometers from Brussels. I suspect the Princess will be sharing a flat with friends. 

Prelude Concert 2026

20 July 2026

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde attended the prelude concert on the eve of the National Day. It was held at Novum in Brussels.

Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz were also present.

Annie Geeraerts & Ray Verhaeghe

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde received two Belgian actors, Annie Geeraerts and Ray Verhaeghe at the royal palace. Both of them will be 100 this year and they've been playing a couple in the same TV soap opera for the past thirty years.

They've even been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "oldest soap opera couple". 

video: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/07/15/familie-acteurs-annie-en-ray-bij-koning-filip/

video: https://www.hln.be/showbizz/koninklijke-eer-voor-familie-iconen-annie-geeraerts-en-ray-verhaeghe-op-audientie-bij-filip-en-mathilde-voor-100ste-verjaardag~a9a00d50/

A nice way to underline that every Belgian who turns a hundred years old receives an autographed picture of the King & Queen. Their local authority has to signal this to court, but in most towns and villages this has become a habit. The mayor then hands over the portrait. 

Jewels: Eléonore's Diamond Bracelet

At the Japanese state visit to Belgium in June 2026, Princess Eléonore (18) was wearing this diamond bracelet for the first time. It's new to the family's collection. 

Flashback: Mass for Baudouin

31 July 2003

Ten years after King Baudouin's passing, a commemorative mass was held at the Saints Michel et Gudule catherdal in Brussels.

Princess Mathilde was 8 months pregnant with her second child, Gabriel.

Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz with their daughter Luisa, followed by Joachim, Laura and Amedeo.
Prince Laurent & Princess Claire.

King Albert II & Queen Paola with Baudouin's widow, Queen Fabiola.

COMING UP Incoming State Visit #16: Denmark

King Frederik & Queen Mary of Denmark will be making a state visit to Belgium.

Tuesday 8 September 2026

Official welcome at the Place des palais in Brussels.

Visit to the Brussels city hall.

King Frederik visits the Parliament and has a meeting with PM De Wever.

State banquet at the castle of Laeken.

Wednesday 9 September 2026

Visit to the Forêt de Lauzelle accompanied by students and researchers of the UCL university. 

King Frederik & Queen Mary meet representatives of some 40 Danish companies in Brussels.

Visit to the Danish church in Brussels that celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

Return event by the Danish royal couple.

Thursday 10 September 2026

Visit to Antwerp.

Lunch onboard the Danish royal yacht Dannebrog, followed by a boat trip throught the port of Antwerp.

Farewell onboard the Dannebrog.

Flashback: Chevetogne

9 July 2000

Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde visited the Domaine Provincial de Chevetogne.

Summer Shoot 2011: Archéosite

8 July 2011

The annual summer photo shoot took place at Archéosite, an archaeological site in Aubechies-Beloeil. The park houses reconstructions of prehistoric, proto-historic and Gallo-Roman structures based on excavations realized in the region as well as in Northern France.