Queen Mathilde of the Belgians is to receive the prestigious German Charity Bambi Award from ‘Hubert Burda Media Holding’. The ceremony will take place in Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, on 21 November.
The Royal Palace in Brussels said that the Queen is being presented the award for “her many years of dedication and personal contribution to the debate on sustainable development and her commitment to social and humanitarian goals.”
The jury for the Bambi Award explained the reasoning for choosing Belgium’s Queen consort. “Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium not only represents a country; she is a role model for all people in Europe,” they said, adding that she “fulfils her role as the mother of the country far beyond national borders.”
“Queen Mathilde is committed to strengthening the rights of women and children, to education, health and poverty reduction,” they added.
Queen Mathilde is not the first royal to be given the honour. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark won it in 2014, Queen Silvia of Sweden in 2006, and Queen Rania of Jordan in 2007.
The Bambi Awards, named after the Disney character of the same name, have been presented annually since 1948. It is considered Germany’s most prestigious media award and is “a tribute to people who have impressed and inspired the German people.”
The ceremony will be broadcast live on German channel “Das Erste” beginning at 8.15 p.m. local time.
Queen Mathilde was also presented the German Sustainability Award in 2017 for her commitment and work with humanitarian and socio-political causes.
