
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have hosted a special reception celebrating people from across Belgian society in the run up to Christmas.
[getty src=”1868175954″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The King and Queen of the Belgians were joined by three of their four children at the event which took place at the Royal Palace in Brussels.
[getty src=”1868177002″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The family usually host a special concert to mark the start of the festive season but restoration work at the palace means that has had to be put on hold for 2023.
Instead, the royal family welcomed 100 Belgians to the palace for a reception.
[getty src=”1868176492″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The heir to the throne, Princess Elisabeth, was at her parents’ side, having returned from her studies at Oxford in recent weeks.
[getty src=”1868176465″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s second son, Prince Emmanuel, who has just turned 18, was also present as was their youngest child, Princess Eleonore, 15. Their elder son, Prince Gabriel, 20, wasn’t there – he is undergoing military training at the moment.
[getty src=”1868175946″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The whole family will spend the festive season together. King Philippe will make his annual speech on Christmas Eve.