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Belgium

Belgian King and Queen visit victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels

Following the devastating acts of terrorism in Brussels, the King and Queen of the Belgians paid a visit to the victims of the attacks to offer their condolences.

On Wednesday, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Brussels Airport, where they paid tribute to those who had lost their lives, before making their way to two nearby hospitals where the survivors are being treated for their injuries.

The Belgian Royal Palace posted a picture on Twitter of the King and Queen listening to a briefing at the military hospital Reine Astrid in Neder-over-Heembeek.

The royal couple spoke to the victims of the attacks, as well as their family members, hospital staff and nursing personnel. At one point, the pair were shown a scrap of metal that had been found inside a patient’s body as a result of the blasts, leaving the Queen speechless.

Earlier that day, the King and Queen, and a number of political leaders observed a moment of silence outside the European Commission building in the capital.

In a televised speech on Tuesday, King Philippe addressed the nation, saying “March 22 will never be a day like any other.” But while offering his condolences to those who had lost a loved one or been injured, the King also urged his people to remain determined and calm. “Let’s maintain confidence in ourselves,” he said. “This trust is our strength.”

Three days of national mourning have been declared in Belgium following the attacks and the country’s terrorism alert has been raised to the highest level. Meanwhile, support for Belgium continues to pour in from all parts of the world, with Monarchs from across Europe conveying their heartfelt condolences to the people of Brussels.