Flashback: Bethlehem

24 April 2006

 Princess Mathilde visited Bethlehem, a crisis support center for children in Mechelen.

Flashback: Baillet Latour 2004

8 June 2004

Princess Mathilde handed out the Interbrew-Baillet Latour Prize to Elio Lugaresi at the Palais des Académies in Brussels.

On the Death of Pope Francis

21 April 2025

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde have issued a public statement today, Easter Monday, on the day Pope Francis died in Rome. They signed with a simple "Philippe et Mathilde" (or "Filip en Mathilde" in Dutch). The message was accompanied by photos from the Pope's visit to Belgium last year.

"C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous avons appris le décès du Pape François. C’était un grand homme, proche des plus humbles et soucieux des problèmes du monde.

Nous partageons le deuil de tous les catholiques dans le monde et de tous ceux qui l’ont aimé et apprécié. Nous exprimons aussi notre gratitude pour l’honneur qu’il nous a fait en visitant notre pays."

Philippe et Mathilde

"It's with great sadness that we were informed about Pope Francis's death. He was a great man, close to humble people and concerned about the world's problems. 

We partake in the mourning of all catholics across the world, and of all those who loved and appreciated him. We also wish to express our gratitude for the honour he bestowed us on visiting our country."

Philippe and Mathilde

Birth of Eléonore

16 April 2008

Crown Prince Philippe arrived at the Erasme hospital in Anderlecht where his fourth child was born that same day. He immediately addressed the press: "Ladies and gentleman, before you stands the proud father of a new child, a baby girl, Eléonore. My wife, Mathilde and me are extremely proud, we're so delighted."

Video: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/04/15/prinses-eleonore-17-jaar/

Crown Prince Philippe took his eldest children, Elisabeth (6), Gabriel (4) and Emmanuel (2,5) to meet their new baby sister.

Eléonore was born at 4:50 in the morning, measuring 50 cm and weighing 3,210 kg. The birth was one without problems.

Her full name was announced as Eléonore Fabiola Victoria Anne Marie.

Her godparents were also reveiled: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Princess Claire of Belgium as godmothers and Count Sébastien von Westphalen zu Fürstenberg as godfather. Which makes Eléonore the only one of Philippe & Mathilde's children with more than 2 godparents.

At the time of Eléonore's birth, Mathilde's father Patrick d'Udekem was hospitalized in the very same hospital. He was in very bad state, initially a coma, after having suffered a stroke. Count d'Udekem died a few months later, in September 2008.

17 April 2008

Another visit.

There was also a photo shoot at the hospital.

video: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/04/15/prinses-eleonore-17-jaar/

 21 April 2008