Homage to Freddy Thielemans

30 January 2022

Belgian court published this message, after the passing of former mayor of Brussels Freddy Thielemans.

With great sadness we have learnt of the passing of Freddy Thiemans, former mayor of Brussels. He was a man of the people and a leading figure in our capital, a Brusselaar through and through. We present our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Flashback: Pope Benedict XVI's Inauguration

24 April 2005

Crown Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde attended Pope Benedict XVI's inaugural mass at the Saint Peter Square in Vatican City.

Flashback: 2005 Visit to Washington

18 April 2005

Crown Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde, who was expecting her third child, visited the WWII memorial in Washington.

Frans Van Daele was the Belgian ambassador in the US. He would later become King Philippe's first chef de cabinet.

They talked to American veterans who had liberated Mathilde's home town Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.

In the evening they attended a reception at the Belgian embassy.

19 April 2005

At the University of Georgetown Mathilde gave a speech on microcredits.

A visit to the Gallaudet Campus for American Sign Language and deaf studies.

Meetings at the World Bank.

At the Belgian embassy: the President of the World Bank was awarded a Belgian distinction.

Egyptology

26 January 2022

Queen Mathilde hosted a round table discussion on egyptology, at the Royal Palace in Brussels.

This year it will be a century ago since Tutankhamun's grave was opened, in the presence of Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians, King Philippe's great grandmother.

Flashback: Diplomatic Days 2011

25 January 2011

International Day of Education 2022

24 January 2022

Queen Mathilde sent out this message, in French, Dutch and English on the occasion of the International Day of Education.

As SDG advocate Mathilde has for years been a strong defender of quality education for all, and especially for young girls.

Flashback: World Economic Forum 2013

22 January 2013

Davos, Switzerland

Flashback: MIM

21 January 2004

Princess Mathilde visited the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels.

This was her second public activity of the day, after a new year's recpetion for the EU representatives in the morning.

The figurines were a gift from one of Mathilde's family members.

Happy 49th Birthday!

20 January 2022

Photo by Bas Bogaerts.

Les Trois Portes

18 January 2022

Queen Mathilde made a visit to shelter Les Trois Portes in Namur on the occasion of its 50th year of existence.

The shelter gives a temporary home to people in a vulnerable position, often as a result of domestic violence or homelessness. The association also helps residents on their way to new independence. 

Mathilde spoke to several women about their experiences. 

Flashback: Tsunami Victims

15 January 2005

King Albert II & Queen Paola, Queen Fabiola, Crown Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde and Prince Laurent & Princess Claire attended a memorial service at the Saints Michel et Gudule cathedral in Brussels for the victims of the tsunami in South East Asia.

The mass took place in the late afternoon, in the morning the Royal Family had attended Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte's funeral in Luxembourg.