On the morning of July 17, 2013, Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium arrived in the city of Ghent located in the province of East Flanders to begin their three-day farewell tour of Belgium.
His Majesty’s abdication in favor of his son, His Royal Highness Prince Philippe, will become effective on Sunday, July 21, 2013.
Upon their arrival at the Town Hall the reigning couple were warmly welcomed to Ghent by the mayor, Mr. Daniël Termont, and the Governor of the province of East Flanders, Mr. Jan Briers. Soon, Their Majesties were ushered into the Town Hall where they were welcomed by various local officials and other VIPs.
After a lovely reception, where they were presented with a gift from the mayor, Their Majesties visited the STAM Museum. The museum presents the history:
“…of the city of Ghent on the historic Bijloke site. A permanent circuit leads visitors along a chronological trail of objects and multimedia which trace the development and growth of Ghent. Temporary exhibitions explore the concept of ‘urbanity’ from different angles.”
In the afternoon, Their Majesties visited the newly constructed Ghelamco Arena home to the K.A.A. Ghent football team.
Click the links below to watch several video news reports:
VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3, and VIDEO 4
Click here to view photos.
Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium arrived at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels this afternoon to attend the inauguration of the Fashion@Egmontpalace exhibition organized by SFP des Affaires Etrangères. This is the last official engagement the princess will carry out before she becomes queen on Sunday, July 21, 2013.
The Royal Correspondent 