The Belgian royals are following in the steps of their Dutch counterparts and will not travel outside their country to take to the slopes this winter. The Royal Palace has confirmed that King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, Princess Elisabeth (19), Prince Gabriel (17), Prince Emmanuel (15) and Princess Eléonore (12) will not travel to Verbier, Switzerland, this year for their annual skiing trip.
A spokesperson confirmed the news to Het Laatste Nieuws saying: “The palace can confirm that King Philippe and Queen Mathilde remain in the country, due to the coronavirus crisis; they had not planned a vacation abroad.”
Belgium has banned non-essential overseas travel due to COVID-19.
Usually, the Royal Family travels to the Swiss Alps during the Carnival holidays in Belgium, but this year, they will remain in their country due to the pandemic. It is thought that they will travel to the family’s home in the Ardennes for a holiday instead.
[getty src=”509155524,917456828″ width=”594″ height=”395″]Photos are released each year of the family skiing in the Alps, but that will be put on hold, like many other things, this year.
The Dutch Royal Family usually travels to Lech, Austria, each February where they hold their winter photo session. The Government Information Service (RVD) confirmed last week that the family would not make the trip due to COVID guidelines.
