Category Archives: Belgian Royals

Belgian Royals

TMs King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium Tour Brussels. (VIDEOS)

belgiumOn Wednesday, November 6, 2013, Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium toured the city of Brussels as part of their “…Joyous Entry presenting themselves to the public in the different provincial capitals…” throughout Belgium.

Their Majesties first stop was a visit to the Parlement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale (Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region) where they were warmly welcomed by various government officials including the president of the Parlement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Ms. Françoise Dupuis.

Soon, Their Majesties arrived at the City Hall to attend a reception with the mayor of Brussels, Mr.Freddy Thielemans, and other local officials.  After signing the Livre d’Or and the exchanging of gifts King Philippe and Queen Mathilde participated in a working luncheon with government officials and several Belgian businessmen.

An hour and a half later Their Majesties appeared on the balcony at the City Hall to wave to the crowds.  Thereafter, the reigning couple completed a walkabout along the Grand-Place where they mingled with hundreds of happy locals and a few grumpy Flemish Nationalists.

And, that’s it.   🙂  To watch videos as well as to view photos from today’s event please click the links below.

VIDEO,  VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3, VIDEO 4, Photos and More Photos

Belgian Royals

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium Attend the Première of ‘Marina’

belgiumOn the evening of November 4, 2013, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium arrived at the Euroscoop (movie theatre) in Genk to attend the première of Mr. Stijn Coninx’s film, Marina.

The film is based on the true story of Belgian-Italian singer and songwriter, Rocco Granata.  Via a press release regarding the film: 

“Calabria, Italy, 1948. Salvatore Granata, a poor ironsmith, has to leave the country for a job as a coalminer in Belgium. His spirited 10-year-old son Rocco keeps enjoying the warm Italian life. But after one year, Salvatore, urges his family to come over.

By the time Rocco arrives in Waterschei, a small mining town in Belgium, his excitement turns into grave disappointment. The immigrants are housed in miserable barracks. He doesn’t speak the language, people are more distant, the weather is cold and… they still are poor.

While his parents find security in the immigrant community, the son tries to adapt to his new surroundings. But he remains a second-class citizen. When Salvatore understands what’s going on, he tells his son that he needs a dream to hang on to. From then on Rocco starts doing what he does best: playing music.”

Click here to view photos.

Trailer for the film Marina

Belgian Royals

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium Attend the Première of ‘Marina’

belgiumOn the evening of November 4, 2013, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium arrived at the Euroscoop (movie theatre) in Genk to attend the première of Mr. Stijn Coninx’s film, Marina.

The film is based on the true story of Belgian-Italian singer and songwriter, Rocco Granata.  Via a press release regarding the film: 

“Calabria, Italy, 1948. Salvatore Granata, a poor ironsmith, has to leave the country for a job as a coalminer in Belgium. His spirited 10-year-old son Rocco keeps enjoying the warm Italian life. But after one year, Salvatore, urges his family to come over.

By the time Rocco arrives in Waterschei, a small mining town in Belgium, his excitement turns into grave disappointment. The immigrants are housed in miserable barracks. He doesn’t speak the language, people are more distant, the weather is cold and… they still are poor.

While his parents find security in the immigrant community, the son tries to adapt to his new surroundings. But he remains a second-class citizen. When Salvatore understands what’s going on, he tells his son that he needs a dream to hang on to. From then on Rocco starts doing what he does best: playing music.”

Click here to view photos.

Trailer for the film Marina

Belgian Royals

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium Visits Angola and South Africa. (VIDEOS)

astridOn October 20, 2013, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium accompanied Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Reynders, and  several other Belgian ministers begin a seven-day economic mission to Angola and South Africa.

And, that’s it.   🙂

Click the links below to watch videos as well as to view photos.

VIDEO, Photos, VIDEO, VIDEO, Photos, More Photos

Photo courtesy of Monarcie Belge

Belgian Royals

TMs King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium Visit Eupen. (VIDEOS)

belgiumOn Wednesday, October 23, 2013, Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium arrived in Eupen for a one-day visit.

Upon their arrival at the City Hall Their Majesties were warmly welcomed by thousands of people as well as by the mayor of Eupen, Mr. Karl-Heinz Klinkenberf and the Minister President of the German-Speaking community, Mr. Karl-Heinz Lambertz.

Prior to attending a welcoming reception held in their honor Their Majesties asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the 11 people who died in a plane crash on October 19, 2013, in Gelbressée in the province of Namur.

After the reception, where several speeches were made and signing of the Livre d’Or, Their Majesties appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowds.  Thereafter, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde participated in a walkabout through the city.

To watch several videos and to view photos please click the links below.

VIDEO w/Photos, VIDEO, VIDEOS, Another Video, Photos