Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Queen Mathilde of Belgium began a solo, three-day trip to Costa Rica with an emergency on the way there.
Queen Mathilde’s flight to Costa Rica saw her plane forced to make a priority landing fifteen minutes early with a cracked windshield. Thankfully, everyone on board was safe upon landing.
The Belgian queen is in Costa Rica in her role as Honorary President of Unicef Belgium. The trip is focused on Unicef’s “Leave No Child Behind” mandate, an initiative to uphold the rights of children everywhere.
As the trip got under way, Queen Mathilde was welcomed to the Presidential Palace by President Chaves and his wife, Signe Zeikate. After signing the guest book, Mathilde was able to learn more about Unicef’s work with the Costa Rican government.
Queen Mathilde visited one of over forty “Houses of Joy” established by Unicef, spaces that welcome the children of seasonal workers and provide food and health care.
Mathilde also visited one of forty-five protected spaces. These areas are for children and teens from disadvantaged areas; these spaces give them a place to learn to respectfully interact with others and to have a safe space to play and play sports.