Visiting Gabriel at Saint-Cyr

9 December 2024

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde visited the prestigious military academy of Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan in Bretagne, France where Prince Gabriel (21), a student-officer at the Royal Military Academy, is currently on a 6 months Erasmus exchange along with a few other students of his promotion.

The King and Queen got an official tour of the Academy and visit the musée de l'Officier. They had lunch with the officers and visited the premises. Apart from their own son, they met other international students of the Academy.

Gabriel and his Belgian roommate show their room. The fact that it was kept so clean amused Mathilde!

Gabriel talking to Belgian & French reporters from Paris Match and Point de vue.

Gabriel: "It's a simple but rigorous life. We all learn to become officers. This military life suits me well."

Is he destined for a military career in the strict sense? "One thing at a time. First the bachelor's degree, then we'll see. But it's a possibility."

Asked about the best advice his parents gave him about his education, and his life journey in general, Gabriel reflects: "That's a good question ... Their advice is to work hard, take things one step at a time without aiming too high too fast, and to stay humble."

With director of communications Xavier Baert looking on.

Some extra images from Gabriel's time at Saint-Cyr.