Flashback: Turnhout

9 May 2012

Prince Philippe & Princes Mathilde's first stop was the Klein Engelandhoeve where they had a cooking workshop by a local non-profit that helps persons who are living in poverty.

At the Taxandriamuseum, the couple was given a tour through an exhibition about the city.

Mathilde was also presented with a family tree proving that she is a descendant of Govert Loockermans, a native of Turnhout who moved to New Amsterdam (present-day New York) in the seventeenth century. "It was Stan Michielsen who drew our attention to this," says Karl Van den Broeck, the driving force behind the exhibition. "Mathilde was not aware of this beforehand, but court did investigate whether it was correct. We told the Princess that during a future visit to Turnhout, she is essentially coming on a family visit and protocol may be set aside. The Princely Couple already has a connection to Turnhout anyway, through the castle of the Dukes of Brabant. As you know, Philippe and Mathilde are also Dukes of Brabant." 

At the City Hall, the Prince & Princess signed the Golden Book and received a painting by Turnhout artist Max Selen as a gift. "We are pleased to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Brabant now that it has been 800 years since Turnhout was granted city rights," said Mayor Francis Stijnen in his speech. 

After the reception, the princely couple took the time to greet the crowds in the market square just as a heavy shower passed over the city.

Africa Prize 2026

7 May 2026

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde attended the award ceremony of the King Baudouin Foundation's Africa Prize, that was held at the royal palace. 

The prize went to Friendship Bench, an association from Zimbabwe that offers psychological help to local communities in various countries.

Prior to the ceremony, the Royal Couple had an audience with the winners. 

Preparing for the Third Trade Visit to Turkey

10 May 2026 - 12 May 2026

Queen Mathilde will be presiding a trade mission to Turkey, the first one since Princess Astrid stepped down from this function.

From 2000 to 2013 (when she became Queen), Mathilde accompanied her husband who presided these very busy and versatile foreign visits twice a year. Mathilde had her own agenda, often focusing on social, medical, educational or cultural aspects. Together with Philippe, she also attended the many work meetings/breakfasts/lunches, receptions and audiences with leaders and heads of state.

For the first time, she will now be doing this solo until the time comes when Crown Princess Elisabeth (24), who's currently finishing her degree at Harvard, will take over. It's generally expected this won't be before 2028.

Mathilde's visited Turkey on a trade mission twice before, in 2004 and in 2012.

2004

2012

On this particular visit, Queen Mathilde will be accompanied by Minister for foreign affairs Maxime Prévot, Minister of Defense charged with foreign trade, Theo Franken, Minister President of the Flemish government Matthias Diependaele, vice president of the Walloon governement Pierre-Yves Jeholet, and the Brussels secretary of state.

The visit will continue for two more days after Mathilde's departure. The fact that she can't accompany the mission from beginning to end seems to suggest that Astrid's decision was indeed taken quite spontaneously on doctor's orders, and hadn't been in the making for the last year or months.

In the weeks prior to the trade mission, Mathilde has been having meetings at the royal palace with experts in the various fields this visit will be covering: the energy transition, port activities, tranport & logistics, health & biopharmacy, aerospace and defense. 

Flashback: Pregnant!

7 May 2001

Crown Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde with their dog Kinga gave a press conference at the Laeken royal greenhouses where the couple announced they were expecting their first child. 

Mathilde sounded tired and nearly fragile talking to the press. She said: "Whether it's a boy or a girl is of no importance to us, we will love the child with all of our heart". She added she was feeling well and that she planned to continue studying for her psychology degree, taking her final exams in June, but that she was also taking it one step at a time. 

Philippe added he wished to support his wife as much as he could.

COMING UP Elisabeth Graduates from Harvard

Crown Princess Elisabeth (24) is about to graduate from Harvard with a Master in Public Policy. 

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde will be present at this big moment for their eldest daughter. On Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May 2026 they will attend the official ceremonies at Harvard.

Visit to Vlaams-Brabant

5 May 2026

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde visited a campus of VUB University in Dilbeek. At VUB Photonics they were introduced to the world of photonics research and innovation.

They also made a stop at the STEAM academy in Oetingen where they participated in a workshop for 12 year olds. The educational youth center is dedicated to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. 

Then they were driven to Dilbeek where they greeted the population at the market square.

Also in Dilbeek they visited Welzijnscampus Nieuwenbos, a site where various social services and care organizations are grouped together to support local residents. 

They also had lunch at the on site neighbourhood restaurant.

video: https://www.ringtv.be/samenleving/pajottegem-en-dilbeek-verwelkomen-vorstenpaar-bezoek-het-teken-van-nabijheid