Voorleesweek 2025

21 November 2025

Like each year, Queen Mathilde took part in the Reading Out Loud Week. She visited the Permeke public library of Antwerp. This year's theme is "Keep reading to others, no matter their age", so an original focus on (young) adults.

Mathilde chose to read from "Het meisje en de rots" by Kristien In-'t-Ven, a book that deals with mental health.

video: https://www.gva.be/regio/antwerpen/regio-antwerpen/antwerpen/koningin-mathilde-trapt-voorleesweek-op-gang-in-bibliotheek-permeke/106701770.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawONb29leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFNd1hmbFYwS2h1QWJjVGVkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi4kh0zLzPLkEVb7tdMmNbTaTtpGhCwpbbDo7Roy7u96HanKnhakhbRXDmuX_aem_65W4PVf5Gj86ypm-C50KIQ

She met young readers between the ages of 15 and 26, who've been given their own space at the Permeke Kubus to read, meet, discuss and create. 

She told them: "a book can be such a tool to get talking about your emotions". 

Queen Mathilde, speaking to young people in a library in the city of Antwerp: “A book can be a helpful tool for expressing emotions and feelings. I think that’s very important. I don’t know what you think about it.” https://t.co/kSBtklEtY8 pic.twitter.com/QKXmreDcA1

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) November 21, 2025

🇧🇪 Belgian Queen Mathilde in Antwerp.

🤝 She reads a book to young people as part of Story Telling Week in Belgium. Afterwards, she takes time outside the library to greet children and royalty fans who have brought gifts.

💬 It’s freezy. “Your hands are cold.” https://t.co/kSBtklEtY8 pic.twitter.com/IxxxZX6SNS

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) November 21, 2025

  video: https://www.gva.be/atv/jongeren-onder-de-indruk-van-koningin-mathilde-zoveel-stijl-zon-warme-vibe/106872224.html