Portuguese state visit to Belgium: 18-20 October 2005

[Danielle]

Thanks everyone for the photos. While I didn’t particularly like Paola’s purple outfit (imo, it’s just not her colour), she certainly redeemed herself at the gala dinner. I know I keep saying this, but Astrid just keeps looking better. I agree Hannelore, her hair looked really pretty. And Claire; how fantastic does she look? Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t they the earrings she wore for her wedding? It’s a shame Mathilde couldn’t be there. I know that she has just given birth, but I love seeing her at gala events. I can’t wait to see photos from today, especially the dinner. :)

[Elsa M.]

Originally Posted by Emily

Does anyone know if the King's cross is an honor from the Portuguese people?

Yes, King Albert is wearing the great necklace and cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique (Ordem do Infante D. Henrique), which aims to distinguish those who had given excellent services to Portugal, namely services in the good of the expansion of the Portuguese culture, history and values:
http://www.presidenciarepublica.pt/p...c=gracruz3.jpg

As for Prince Phillip, he's wearing the Military Order of Christ (Ordem Militar de Cristo), which is granted by remarkable services given to the Country, in the exercise of sovereignty positions (like public administration, magistracy and diplomacy).
http://www.presidenciarepublica.pt/p...c=gracruz2.jpg

[GrandDuchess]

Both Astrid and Claire looked really fabolous! So shining and elegant, it's great to see! I didn't really like Paola's purple outfit either, I agree with Danielle that it's just not her colour.

Thanks for the picures everyone, it's always great to see pictures from galas! :)

What's on the programme today, does anyone know?

[Elsa M.]

President Sampaio said yesterday, in Brussels, that this State visit to Belgium is the last one that he's doing in Europe, in the quality of Head of State. Sampaio is now at the end of his mandate, which will finish next month of January, when new presidential elections are agended in Portugal.

[Elsa M.]

Originally Posted by GrandDuchess

What's on the programme today, does anyone know?

Here's the official program for today:
http://www.presidenciarepublica.pt/p...as/agenda.html

10:00 Visit to the EuroSpaceCenter, in Libin

12:20 Arriving at the Town Hall of Arlon: Speech of the Municipal Speaker of the house of Arlon

12:45 Departure of the President of Republic, Jorge Sampaio, his wife, Maria José Ritta, and the Belgian King and Queen for a stroll on foot, by the streets of the city

13:00 Arriving at the ProvincialPalace

13:30 Lunch offered by the Governor of the Province of Luxemburg, Bernard Caprasse, and the Provincial Deputation

16:40 Arriving of the President of Republic and his retinue to the Free University of Brussels
Conference of the President of the Republic subordinated to the subject "The European Union - To answer the Challenges of the Globalization", followed by a debate with the students

Port of honour and meeting with the Portuguese students of the Erasmus Program

17:30 Arriving of the President of the Republic to the Bibliothèque Solvay: Meeting-debate on "Le Portugais, pour quoi faire"

20:25 Arriving of the President of the Republic and his wife, Maria José Ritta, to the Cercle Royal Gaulois

20:40 Supper in honour of the Belgian Kings, offered by the President of the Republic and wife (Cerde Royal Gaulois)
In the end, there will be a session of fados, interpreted by Camané.

[Elsa M.]

Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio and his wife, Maria José Ritta, along with King Albert and Queen Paola, shake some children's hands as they get out of Arlon city hall.
From GettyImages:

[Hannelore]

Thanks for your Portuguese point of view Elsa :) It certainly adds good information!

[Hannelore]

more from the gala banquet (newscom, seeger)

[Hannelore]

seeger, picturedesk, vanparijs

[Hannelore]

again seeger, picturedesk, vanparijs

[Hannelore]

short video of the gala (vtm)

http://www.vtm.be/nieuws/index_bekijkonline.htm -> woensdag 19/10, 13u at 24:10 down the news.

[Regina]

Princess Astrid was, IMO, the most elegant lady on the gala banquet. Color white fits her perfectly. Princess Claire was also stunning!
Thanks everyone for the pics, informations and the video!

[fanletizia]

Supper in honour of the Belgian Kings, offered by the President of the Republic and wife

from getty

[kwanfan]

Astrid looks fabulous again tonight! Claire also looks good.

[Mette2]

Thank you all for the pictures and the video clip. The ladies look absolutely beautiful at the second dinner. Hope there will be a better picture of Paola's outfit later on. She looks great in the few pictures there are of her, but I would like to see one of her where you see all of her, and without her coat on.

[BeccaLynn07]

Gorgeous outfits at the first and second dinner. (But, I love both of Astrid's outfits best.) They all look wonderful.

[HMQueenElizabethII]

Thanks lots for pics, hannelore and fanletizia, they are such beautiful photos.Princess Claire looks really lovely, and beautiful at the Reception yesterday, i like her brown outfit.And Astrid too she looks such yoing so much though she is already in her 40s already, she is really elegant and pretty too, a lovely bracelet.

[Marengo]

Is there a full picture of Paola's dress, on the picture taken from the side it looks very nice. I agree with the other posters that Astrid looks great, and much younger then her actual age.

[Danielle]

Once again, everyone looks fantastic at the second dinner. Both Astrid (on the first night) and Claire (second night) are wearing these unusual shawl things (can anyone help me out with the description or their proper name?). I'm just not really too fond of them. I think this is my favourite photo out of them all: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...hmentid=204270 I love their hand gestures.

[Sophus]

Hi! - I'm new here... Great site!

One question - why does Queen Fabiola never wear a tiara anymore? What happend with the great floral one she received at her wedding?