Philippe and Mathilde's Economic Mission to China; November 20-28, 2004

[Mette2]

Wow. Absolutely wonderful pictures all around and Mathilde's gala dress is really beautiful :). It seems like Philippe has gotten new clothes too . As far as I can see it's not the same tux as the one he wore for example the night before the Spanish wedding.
Thanks to everyone who posted these lovely pictures :).

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

2 more from the Belgian gala night.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

25 November 2004

Princess Mathilde talking with women students undergoing re-employment training during a visit to Shanghai Women Cadre's School.

[Eliza]

It's amazing...CP Mathilda looks even more beautiful than ever! I love her evening gown, so timeless and elegant.

[Emily]

Oh, Catherine, the pictures are wonderful and are so current it feels as though I move through the trip with them!

[Mette2]

Originally Posted by Cathérine Bergeyck

Video of the Belgian gala night in Shanghai.

http://www.vrtnieuws.net/nieuwsnet_m...x.html?video_1

Thank you very much for the pictures and video Cathérine - simply wonderful. :) I wonder if I could trouble you a bit. Could you (or anyone else for that matter who understands Flemish) translate or give a summary of the text that's underneath the videoclip? Thanks in advance. :)

[Emily]

I am curious if anyone knows who organizes Mathilde's agenda on a trip like this. Does the government make suggestions, does she have her own advisors who research areas she might be interested in visiting? Also, why did ?Edward from Natan go on the trip? And does he design her entire wardrobe for both home and abroad or does she use other designers?

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

Originally Posted by Mette2

Thank you very much for the pictures and video Cathérine - simply wonderful. :) I wonder if I could trouble you a bit. Could you (or anyone else for that matter who understands Flemish) translate or give a summary of the text that's underneath the videoclip? Thanks in advance. :)

this is a translation of the text under the video clip:

Philippe says: "Mathilde and I are very complementary"

The economic mission to China, accompanied by prince Philippe and princess Mathilde is halfway. The princely couple and the more than 350 businessmen made, after Beijing, also a visit to Shanghai. Their stay in the city was ended by a gala evening.

The prince and princess each had their own program today. While prince Philippe visited companies, Mathilde visited the university and an institution for handicapped people.

Philippe emphasized the qualities of his wife. "The businessmen insist she joins us every time a mission is organized. We're very complementary" the prince said.

Their stay in Shanghai was ended by a gala evening. There was a focus on two important export products for our country: diamonds and fashion. These luxerygoods were presented at a fashion show.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

Originally Posted by Emily

I am curious if anyone knows who organizes Mathilde's agenda on a trip like this. Does the government make suggestions, does she have her own advisors who research areas she might be interested in visiting? Also, why did ?Edward from Natan go on the trip? And does he design her entire wardrobe for both home and abroad or does she use other designers?

I can't answer all your questions, but Edouard Vermeulen was present because he's also a businessman exporting his product: fashion. On these big missions, Belgian fashion is also present and often a Belgian fashion show is organized. On other trips I've seen Gerald Watelet and Ann Demeulemeester.

Mathilde's entire wardrobe is not from Natan, but she certainly likes that couture house very much (and who could blame her :)), she also often wears Armani, and for the rest mainly Belgian designers (Gerald Watelet, Pierre Gauthier, Yves Dooms, Scapa, Olivier Strelli).

[Emily]

Thank you, Catherine!

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

You're welcome Emily :)

And in the meantime, in China...

26th November 2004

Prince Phillipe of Belgium delivers his keynote address at the official opening of an investment seminar in Guangzhou, southern China's Guangdong province 26 November 2004.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

Some more photos from the previous days: at the ship launch

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

from the previous days: mathilde at the center for handicapped children

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

26/11/2004

6th day of the Belgian economic mission to the People's Republic of China. Prince Philippe meets with the Mayor of Guangzhou , Zhang Guangning. Prince Philippe is presiding the largest-ever Belgian Economic mission to China. He and Princess Mathilde are invited by Mrs Wu Yi, Vice-Premier of the P.R. of China.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

26/11/2004

Prince Philippe visiting the INBEV Brewery - Guangzhou Zhujiang Beer Group Company. Today, the Zhujiang-INBEV international Beer Museum is launched.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

26/11/2004

Prince Philippe of Belgium at the official opening of the new production unit of the Belgian company Galactic-BBCA. The Belgian Galactric has a joint-venture with the Chinese BBCA-Group.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

While Philippe is still in China today and tomorros, Mathilde left for Belgium after her duties on the 25th.

Elisabeth and Gabriel will be happy to see their mom again :)