Just like the rest of us, Queen Mathilde spent the better part of the year working from home, wearing face masks and cancelling plans. The few cultural activities that could be enjoyed must have brought some relief for art lover Mathilde.
On top of a difficult Covid year, Belgium was hit extremely hard by disastrous floods in July, destroying entire towns and killing over 30 persons.
There were only 3 visits abroad: one to Germany for the annual informal meeting of German speaking countries.
And two to France, in summer no doubt a relaxing holiday at their favourite spot, the rugged natural environment of Ile d'Yeu where the royal family now owns a renovated holiday cottage.
Both for Mathilde & Philippe and for the Belgian public it's seeing the royal children grown up and thrive that's been a source of joy this past year. Here are the various occasions where we got to see the royal teens Elisabeth (20), Gabriel (18), Emmanuel (16) and Eléonore (13).
In 2021, both Elisabeth and Gabriel left Belgium to study in Britain. Elisabeth started a degree in Politics & History at Oxford's Lincoln College. Gabriel is studying A-levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics at the National Mathematics & Science College in Warwickshire.
A nice surprise: Mathilde was able to add Queen Fabiola's diamond and aquamarine bracelet to her jewellery case.
... and the year ended with its only gala occasion, a delightful spark of glamour at the Christmas concert.
Now let's drift into 2022 and make the most of it.
