Warmathon 2016

18 December 2016

King Philippe, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore participated in the "Warmathon Run" in Brussels, a benefit organized by radio station Studio Brussel for their traditional Christmas charity week.

Entourage: Pierre-Emmanuel De Bauw

Court's head of communications and Media, Pierre Emmanuel De Bauw, has resigned from his post and wille be starting his new job in a few weeks.

Pierre Emmanuel De Bauw has been working of and on for Belgian court - also for Albert II - alternating it with communication jobs for Belgian and European politics.

In the past he has also been the Belgian ambassador in Cuba, and he had a diplomatic role in Bogota, Colombia and Washington (US).

Mr De Bauw will start working at the Belgian embassy in Dublin, Ireland.

Sociaal Huis Mechelen

15 December 2016

Queen Mathilde visited the "Sociaal Huis" in Mechelen. Together with Emmaüs Youth Care and Cachet these social workers accompany youngsters from youth institutions or care on their way to independent living once they turn eighteen. 

Private: Didier & Rosalinde

Queen Mathilde uses the services of various hairdressers. Among them is Frédéric Van Espen, the owner of top notch Brussels hair salon "Didier & Rosalinde", at the Boulevard de la Cambre.

According to Van Espen, the Queen  is a very busy woman who allows little time for her hair dresser to do his job. When he has to complete a hairdo in a mere 10 minutes it can be particularly stressful for him. Van Espen does Mathilde's hair at her home, the castle of Laeken. She tells him which style she has in mind when he arrives and while he's busy she's always reading work files and starting on her press review. "She's a very hard working lady". 

Even when Mathilde plans to wear a hat, she doesn't brief her hairdresser beforehand. Plans are only made in advance when bigger events are concerned - such as state visits.

Frédéric Van Espen talks about the Belgian state visit to China as the most difficult job he did for court. Because of the many activities in different Chinese cities, the team was constantly on the move, packing and unpacking everything. Still it was an unforgettable experience. Working for the Queen is both an honour and a privilege.

Flashback: Flying in Oostmalle

2002

Crown prince Philippe and princess Mathilde visited the Belgian Air Cadet Base in Oostmalle.

They also went gliding.

Family: Alistair's illness

On his Facebook, Nicolas Janssen thanked well wishers for their birthday wishes and for the positive vibes they're sending him and Hélène on behalf of their son Alistair.

The little boy - who has his aunt Elisabeth Pallavicini as godmother - has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Let's all hope for the best.

Project Miriam

8 December 2016

Queen Mathilde visited the CPAS of Namur to see the presentation of Project Miriam.

The project aims to empower single mothers who face financial hardship and social exclusion.

Family: Henri d'Udekem convicted for fraud

The uncle of Queen Mathilde, Count Henri d'Udekem d'Acoz has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine after having been found guilty of defrauding a man from Ingelmunster. Count d'Udekem d'Acoz has lodged an appeal.

Count d'Udekem d'Acoz’s barrister Herman Baron says that his client had been too gullible and that the Count had been a victim of deception himself.

In 2007 the man from Ingelmunster had wanted to turn some agricultural land into building plots. He enlisted the assistance of Count d'Udekem d'Acoz who is also a solicitor.

The request for a change of status of the land from agricultural to building land was already been dealt with by the relevant authorities. However, Count d'Udekem d'Acoz, a former mayor of the town of Poperinge, was to have helped things along together with the two other people that were also tried.

82-year-old Count d'Udekem d'Acoz and the was not in court.

Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen

6 December 2016

Queen Mathilde visited the Royal Music Conservatory at deSingel in Antwerp.

Laurence de Ghellinck acted as lady-in-waiting.