woensdag 29 maart 2023

Residence: Swiss Chalet

Each year, Philippe, Mathilde and their children spend a week of skiing holidays in Verbier, Switzerland - just like many other European royals.

Each year, they stay at the same place even though it's not theirs. Traditionnally they are the guests of their close friends, baron Guy Ullens de Schooten and his wife, baroness Mimi Ullens de Schooten. This Belgian couple is globally known in the art world as big collectors.

Here's their Swiss chalet where Mathilde & co reside each year.




Billionaire Guy Ullens made his fortune in the Artal Group, which controls several food marketing companies - like Weight Watchers. He ran the group with his cousin, Eric Wittouck.


More than 10 years ago, Guy Ullens left the business world. With the money he made by selling 14 Turners (21 million dollars), he & his wife Mimi set up the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Bejing, China, which they have turned into another financial success story. 

It was one of the places king Philippe & the Belgian delegation visited on their state visit to China in 2015.


Mimi Ullens also has other hobbies besides art: she has her own clothing brand, Maison Ullens. 


In 2003, Mimi was hit by breast cancer. Luckily she recovered, and set up the 'Foundation Mimi Ullens' that treats female breast cancer patients to free make up sessions, massages and psychological support to make them feel female again, and keep their spirits high.



Guy Ullens has 4 children from his previous marriage: Philippe Ullens (married to Dominique Glorieux), Brigitte Ullens (married to Cédric Guyot de Mishaegen), Yves Ullens (married to Bénédicte Hamoir) and Nicolas Ullens (married to Marie-Sophie de Halleux). 






Tragic update: Mimi Ullens was killed by her stepson Nicolas Ullens on 29 March 2023. Apparently there was a conflict about money. Mimi (70), who was sitting in her car next to her husband was shot in the head 4 times and died on the spot. 

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