Queen Mathilde of the Belgians marked a significant anniversary in Liège on Monday. She was there to represent her husband, King Philippe, as he was unable to attend due to illness. 

The Belgian Queen was in Liège to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city. The city was liberated from Nazi occupation on 8 September 1944 when US forces switfly recaptured Belgium.

Queen Mathilde attended a solemn ceremony at the National Necropolis at the Enclos des Fusillés de la Citadelle. The occupying Nazi forces used the Citadelle during the Second World War as a prison and for executions of those who tried to resist. 

A memorial was established on the site in 1946 and includes over 400 graves of those executed during the war. 

Her Majesty laid a wreath on the memorial to commemorate those who gave their lives for Liège’s freedom. She also spent several moments in quiet contemplations in front of the graves as she toured the site. 

Queen Mathilde chose an elegant brocade dress coat in black from Carolina Herrera, one of her favourite designers. She paired the dress coat with a wide brimmed hat, a black clutch, and a pair of black pumps.