Incoming State Visit #6: France

Monday 19 November 2018

President Emmanuel Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte Macron were welcomed at 11:30 at the Place des Palais in Brussels and were received at the Royal Palace before meeting PM Charles Michel. Meanwhile French and Belgian ministers signed agreements.

Laurence de Ghellinck acted as lady-in-waiting for the Queen and Clotilde Boël as lady-in-waiting for Mrs Macron.

Mathilde was dressed appropriately in Dior.

A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent where they were shown Van Eyck's restored "Mystic Lamb".

The Presidential and Royal Couple also got an official welcome at the city hall.

video: https://vrtnws.be/p.ywLmpLX95

🇧🇪🇫🇷 Nog een (halve) handkus van de Franse president Macron voor koningin Mathilde.

Het Belgische konings- en Franse presidentskoppel zijn momenteel in het stadhuis van @StadGent, de tweede stad op het programma van het Franse staatsbezoek aan België. pic.twitter.com/cbcwDqBbZT

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) 19 november 2018

Gala dinner at Laeken Palace.

Dit bericht bekijken op Instagram

Edoaurd Vermeulen on tape during the gala at the Royal Palace last Monday. #emmanuelmacron #brigittemacron

Een bericht gedeeld door Maison Natan (@natancouture) op 21 Nov 2018 om 6:25 (PST)

 with Belgian football player Thomas Meunier who plays for PSG.

Princess Astrid, Prince Lorenz, Princess Claire and Prince Laurent were also present.

Queen Mathilde wore a new Armani gown.

video: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2018/11/19/koning-filip-op-staatsbanket-multilateralisme-in-europa-voelt/

172 guests assisted at the banquet.

Coffee was served at the greenhouses.

Tuesday 20 November 2018

Visit to co working space & creative hub La Vallée in Molenbeek, Brussels.

While the King and the President went on to the university of Louvain-la-Neuve for a debate with students, the Queen and Mrs Macron visited daycare centre for mentally handicapped adults La Maisonnée in Ittre. Residents follow workshops to explore and enhance their individual talents.

During a private lunch, King Philippe showed the Macrons a portrait he painted of his eldest daughter Elisabeth.