The Belgian royals, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, made their grand entrance in Berlin for an official visit, solidifying the robust friendship between the two countries. This visit serves as a testament to the shared values and burgeoning partnership between Belgium and Germany, as political figurehead Kai Wegner eloquently put it.
The German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Büdenbender were set to host an extravagant state banquet in the resplendent Bellevue Palace, honoring the Belgian royal couple. Later in the afternoon, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany, dedicated to the Victims of War and Tyranny, was left on the itinerary.
On the program for Wednesday were a round of meetings with influential figures from the energy sector and an audience with the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). Her Majesty and His Majesty's European sojourn would then take them to Saxony on Thursday, where they would ogle at the Old Masters Picture Gallery and immerse themselves in the fantastic ambiance of the historic Dresden Christmas Market.
Take a Peek:
As the Belgian monarchy, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, touched down in Berlin, they were showered with a warm embrace emblematic of the close-knit friendship between the nations. The mutual admiration and partnership between Belgium and Germany, championed by CDU politician Kai Wegner, stood as the cornerstone of this state visit.
Steinmeier and his spouse Elke Büdenbender were slated to host a lavish state dinner for the illustrious couple at the opulent Bellevue Palace. In the afternoon, a poignant wreath-laying ceremony was planned at the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of the victims of war and tyranny.
The royal couple's itinerary for the visit was crammed with engagements, including a rendezvous with high-profile figures, such as the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. They were also set to convene with managing directors from the energy industry, further bolstering the bilateral cooperation between Germany and Belgium. The highlight of their trip would be a sojourn to Saxony, where they would indulge in the enchanting beauty of the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the historic charm of Dresden's coveted Christmas Market.
Origins:
Enrichment Data:
As the Belgian royals, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, embarked on their official visit to Germany, they engaged in several substantial activities and high-level meetings, although specifics about their recent visit remained unavailable in the sources. Let's delve into some background and relevant activities:
- British Royal Family's Visits to Germany:
- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have trekked to Germany on various occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. During those visits, they met with the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and explored iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the German Cancer Research Center[4].
- Auschwitz Liberation Commemoration:
- King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended the 80th anniversary commemorations of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, in January 2025, alongside other European monarchs. This was a profound tribute to Holocaust survivors and encompassed poignant ceremonies and remembrance activities[2][5].
- Belgian Royal Family's Latest Engagements:
- The Belgian royal family has been actively participating in the formation of the new federal government, following the 9th June elections. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended the official welcome ceremony, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and unity in diversity, particularly in the face of global challenges[3].
While the Belgian monarchy's specific activities during their recent visit to Germany have yet to be disclosed, these historical and recent engagements offer context for their affinity for international events and diplomacy.
