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.
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