Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg were officially received by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Friday, marking their first official visit abroad since assuming their new roles.
The meeting underscored the close ties between the two royal families. King Philippe is a first cousin of Grand Duke Guillaume’s father, Grand Duke Henri, while Grand Duchess Stéphanie is herself a Belgian-born countess.
The programme began with a review of the guard of honour, followed by an official photograph and the presentation of the respective delegations inside the palace. The Luxembourg delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, who accompanied the royal couple on this courtesy visit.
Later, the two royal couples shared a private luncheon before the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess continued their engagements with a visit to the Belgian Senate, where they were welcomed by Senate President Vincent Blondel.
