Greek state visit to Belgium

Cathérine Bergeyck · #1 01-29-2005, 09:30 AM

From 1st untill 3rd February 2005 president Stephanopoulos of Greece and his wife will pay an official state visit to Belgium.

Cathérine Bergeyck · #2 02-01-2005, 06:34 AM

Prince Philippe and princess Mathilde welcome Greek President Costiss Stephanopoulos and his wife at Melsbroek military airport, 01 February 2005. Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos arrived in Belgium for a 3-day official state visit.

Hannelore · #3 02-01-2005, 07:02 AM

It seems to be the traditional task of the duke & duchess to pick up the guests from the airport. Afterwards they drive to the royal palace where there's an official welcome, where also the king and queen are present (and the most important members of the governement). Afterwards there's usually a private dinner and tonight there will be a first gala event.

Let's hope we get to see a lot of pictures!

Hannelore · #4 02-01-2005, 08:21 AM

Belgian Prince Philippe and Queen Paola, Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos, Belgian King Albert II and Princess Mathilde stand before an honor guard

Hannelore · #5 02-01-2005, 08:23 AM

at the royal palace

Hannelore · #6 02-01-2005, 10:39 AM

more pics of this morning's ceremony at the place des palais in Brussels. Princess Mathilde looked very elegant IMO. Great coat :)

Hannelore · #7 02-01-2005, 10:47 AM

Inside the royal palace

Hannelore · #8 02-01-2005, 10:51 AM

Van Parys Media

Hannelore · #9 02-01-2005, 10:59 AM

from Seegerpress

Hannelore · #10 02-01-2005, 11:01 AM

And one of Paola...Nice necklace, but her make up could be a bit better I think.

the duchess of Brabant

GrandDuchess · #11 02-01-2005, 11:13 AM

Wow, Mathilde looks wonderful! Classic elegance, wonderful coat and nice matching earrings to go with it. She's so classy!

Hannelore · #12 02-01-2005, 12:36 PM

More pics of the duke and duchess picking up the Greek president from the airport.

Hannelore · #13 02-01-2005, 12:39 PM

and in to the limo :)

Hannelore · #14 02-01-2005, 12:44 PM

1, 2) Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos greets the crowd on the Grand Place of Brussels, 01 February 2005. Gettyimages

3 to 5) Queen Paola of Belgium, Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos, Brussels' Mayor Freddy Thielemans and King Albert II of Belgium greet the crowd from the balcony of the City Hall on the Grand Place of Brussels. Gettyimages

6, 7) President Stephanopoulos on a meeting with Belgian prime minister Verhofstadt. Gettyimages

lucys · #15 02-01-2005, 01:35 PM

I agree, the Princess looks wonderful. I've seen some people complain that she's not "flashy" enough in her dress, that's she "boring", when in fact she is classically elegant.

Hannelore · #16 02-01-2005, 01:41 PM

a few more from today...