The King of the Belgians had to take a break from the State Visit he was hosting for the Grand Duke of Luxembourg as another important international gathering took place.
King Philippe opened the doors of the Royal Palace in Brussels to EU leaders as an extraordinary European summit took place in Brussels on April 18th 2024.
(Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue)
It was also the second day of the State Visit by Philippe’s cousin and friend, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, but hosting duties were left to Queen Mathilde as the Belgian monarch greeted presidents and prime ministers as well as members of the European Council at a reception.
Earlier in the day, the King of the Belgians and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg had attended an economic forum at the Egremont Palace while Queen Mathilde and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa were at Bozar Brussels to see an exhibition on Belgian surrealism.
All four travelled to Ghent where they attended a series of events focussed on the importance of sea ports.
They also visited the Cathedral of St. Bavo where they were shown work by Van Eyck.
(SIP/ Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue)
However, King Philippe had to leave the Cathedral early to attend the EU reception.
He rejoined the royal party later as Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa hosted a concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Luxembourg as a thank you to their hosts for the State Visit.