The state visit will take place on 20, 21 and 22 June and has a tight schedule. The royal couple is taken by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde on a tour through Belgium in which they visit various cities, with Brussels as the starting point. Although the full program has yet to be announced, Flemish royalty expert Wim Dehandschieter has in Blue blood managed to reveal some details.
According to Wim, the first day of the visit is ‘the most official’. “With many formal events,” he explains. Filip and Mathilde will receive Willem-Alexander and Máxima at the royal palace, after which the two will also meet Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. In the evening, a state banquet will take place at the castle of Laeken. The state visit will end in Antwerp on Thursday 22 June.
The train is the ideal means of transport for the royal couple. There is a fast train connection between The Hague and Brussels. Still, it is quite special, because it is not often that royals take the train. During the last state visit to Belgium, in 2006, Princess Beatrix took the plane. This decision was not really appreciated because she had to cover such a short distance. This criticism may have played a role in the choice of Willem-Alexander and Máxima.
It is hoped for Willem-Alexander that his stylist will dress him in a different outfit than during this regional visit:
2023-05-29 12:07:05
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