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Belgian State Visit to Luxembourg, Day Two in Pictures

There were words of thanks, a gala concert and a photo that will make every review of the royal year going. The second day of the State Visit of the King and Queen of the Belgians to Luxembourg saw them focus on some of the most vital ties between the two countries. But it was the momentary reaction of two royals that caught everyone’s attention. Here’s Royal Central’s round up for Day Two of the State Visit, in photos.

Summing Things Up

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Grand Duchess Maria Teresa is still recovering from knee surgery so despite her appearance at the State Banquet on day one, she asked her daughter in law to fill in as hostess as the second part of the trip got under way. Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie accompanied Queen Mathilde on a visit to the University of Luxembourg.

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While there, the two women got an understanding of new developments in education and training and also provided a caption writer’s dream photo as they caught sight of something in a junior maths class that made them both think twice.

Standing to Attention

King Philippe and Grand Duke Henri began their day at the Diekirch Military Centre to focus on the close ties between the armed forces of both countries. The men also laid wreaths in memory of all those who have lost their lives in armed conflict.

Getting Arty

Day two had a real focus on inter cultural exchange with the Belgian King and Queen and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg heading to Neumuenster Abbey in the afternoon accompanied by Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel.

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Earlier the Prime Minister had hosted a lunch for the Belgian royals during which King Philippe thanked all involved in the trip for their hospitality.

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A Little Night Music

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Day two ended with a concert hosted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in honour of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. The Grand Duchess wasn’t able to attend but her son and daughter in law were there for the event.

The Belgian State Visit comes to an end on October 17th 2019.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.