vrijdag 31 december 2021

2021: The Year That Was

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.


The days between Christmas and the new year were spent at Méribel in France, to go skiing.

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.

vrijdag 24 december 2021

Jewels: Diamond Solitaire Earrings

At the 2020 new year's reception for the EU institutions, Queen Mathilde wore these beautiful diamond solitaire earrings for the first time.


Their late 19th century design suggests they're antique jewellery.



At the Christmas concert in December 2021, they were seen for the first time worn by Crown Princess Elisabeth.


She also wore them in 2022, at the 18th birthday gala for Princess Ingrid of Norway and in 2023 at the Jordanian royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussain.



Other appearances:


donderdag 23 december 2021

Roger Lybaert

23 December 2021

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde granted an audience to Roger Lybaert at the castle of Laeken.


Mr Lybaert has been the subject of a book and a documentary, filmed by his daughter, who was also invited. From the start of the pandemic Roger Lybaert has been voicing his sadness and loneliness as the resident of a care home that got locked down. 

woensdag 22 december 2021

Christmas Visit 2021: Caritas Secours + UZ Brussels

22 December 2021

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde visited Verviers, one of the towns ravaged by the dramatic July floods.



The royal couple took part in activities organized by Caritas Secours and joined volunteers, who've been helping the local community, in a short Christmas song recital.




Afterwards King Philippe & Queen Mathilde visited the ICU of UZ Brussel hospital. They wanted to thank all the medical staff who've been a relentless help since the start of the pandemic.








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