Portuguese state visit to Belgium: 18-20 October 2005

[Hannelore]

From 18 to 20 Oct. 2005, Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio and his wife will make a state visit to Belgium.

Princess Mathilde will not be present for this visit, because little Emmanuel (born only two weeks ago) still needs his mother of course.

[Elsa M.]

Do you know if there will be any gala with the royal family?

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

On a state visit there are always two gala dinners, the first one is given by the host (so Belgium in this case, at the castle of Laeken) and the second one by the guest (a bit more low key).

[kwanfan]

It's too bad we won't see Mathilde. But hopefully we will see new gala dresses from Astrid and Claire if they take part in the galas.

[sara1981]

i understand why CP Mathilde cant attend gala dinner and lots more! because of newborn emmanuel need mother lots! like any mother had job to do for baby need to breastfeed,change diapers, taking nap,taking bathing with kids

Sara Boyce

[HMQueenElizabethII]

I think Prince Emmanuel just born then so its hard to see Mathilde there, maybe just Astrid will be a young lady from the family to be there, cause both Paola and Fabiola not young at all, and hopefully we can see Claire there...

[fanletizia]

Images from polfoto

[Elsa M.]

This is the official programm of President Jorge Sampaio's state visit for today:

http://www.presidenciarepublica.pt/p...as/agenda.html

11:45 Arriving of the President of Republic and his retinue to the Military Airport of Melsbroek
Welcome by HRH the Crown Prince

11:50 Departure of the President of Republic and his official retenue from the Airport for Brussels

12:15 Arriving at the Place des Palais
Welcome by TM the King and Queen of Belgium
Official Welcome Cerimony

12:40 Displacement of the President of Republic and his wife, accomanied by the Belgian Kings and Crown Prince, to the Royal Palace

12:45 official photo at the Royal Palace
Exchange of gifts

13:05 Departure of the President of Republic and wife to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in a train with Horse Royal Escort

13:15 Arriving at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier
Deposition of a crown of flowers
Cerimony to revive the Flame
Portuguese and Belgian National anthems

15:45 Visit of the President of the Republic to the City hall of Brussels (Porche des Lions)

16:25 Arriving at the Federal Parliament

16:30 Meeting of the President of the Republic with the Speaker of the house of the Representatives and the Vice-president of the Senate, with the presence of the Gentlemen Members of the house of representatives and of representatives of the Federal Parliament (Salon du Président of la Chambre des Représentants)

17:15 Arriving at Fédération des Entreprises Belges (F.E.B. - V.B.O)
Intervention of Mr. Geert Noels, representative of the Petercam, on "Belgium - Exporting Country par excellence"
Speech of the President of the Republic

17:20 Inauguration of the exhibition of Portuguese jewelry entitle "Relationships", at the Hilton Hotel

18:20 Hearing of the President of the Republic with the Prime minister of Belgium, Mr. Guy Verhofstadt (Salon Blanc)

21:00 Gala dinner, in honor of the President of the Republic Jorge Sampaio and his wife, Maria José Ritta, offered by the Belgian Kings (Château de Laeken)

[Elsa M.]

http://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.as...id_news=196947

The agenda of the first day culminates with a gala dinner offered by King Albert II and Queen Paola.

On the following day, it will be the Portuguese Head of Satate’s turn to offer a dinner to the Belgian Monarchs, which shall be followed by a session of fados (the Portuguese typical music), interpreted by Camané.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

At the town hall of Brussels (polfoto)

[Emily]

Thanks to all for the pictures to date -- do you think there will be more at the banquet tonight?

[Hannelore]

oh yes, it's already night in Belgium :)

Paola looks *magnificent* (getty)

[Juanita]

Originally Posted by Hannelore

Paola looks *magnificent* (getty)

Yes, you're right! That dress is beautiful... the Queen looks very pretty! :)

[Emily]

Thank you for the photo Hannelore. And I agree, QP has on a beautiful dress. Does anyone know if the King's cross is an honor from the Portuguese people?

[Larzen]

http://us.news3.yimg.com
Claire looks very elegant

[kwanfan]

Claire looks like she has a fairly large bump from that angle. All the ladies look beautiful!

[Mette2]

From Getty Images.

More pictures from the Gala dinner.

Paola look radiant, and the other ladies looked quite lovely. But it looks quite weird and funny that Philippe is wearing his sash under his vest (if that's the right word for it).

[pdas1201]

www.colourpress.com

[Hannelore]

wow, Astrid looked fab!! I've never seen her so pretty at a gala, the beautiful dress and fur, and the tiara looks perfect in her hair.

[HMQueenElizabethII]

mmm, i think this Gala Banquet this time so much colour of black and white, Princess Astrid looks so much lovely and young though, i dont like Claire's dress at all, it doesn't look anything beautiful, Fabiola looked so old too, and it such a pity no Mathilde at this Banquet as she should have a rest now.