Crown Prince Philippe To Marry Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz

Cathérine Bergeyck · #1 08-19-2003, 01:17 PM

In 1999 crownprince Philippe of Belgium (39) got engaged to jonkvrouw Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz, a 26-year old Belgian aristocrat, who untill her marriage worked as a speech therapist.
The couple had been able to keep their relation secret for 3 years.

Here are some pictures from september 1999, when Belgium first saw the face of their new future queen.
The presentation was in the park of the castle of Laeken, where the couple settled down after their marriage.

Cathérine Bergeyck · #2 08-19-2003, 01:21 PM

Answering questions of the press.

Cathérine Bergeyck · #3 08-19-2003, 01:31 PM

Posing with their families.

Here with Philippe's parents, the king and queen of the Belgians.

Cathérine Bergeyck · #4 08-19-2003, 01:40 PM

Toasting with their family and the press

Cathérine Bergeyck · #5 08-19-2003, 01:51 PM

2 months later the couple gave an engagement party in the castle of Laeken, where 1500 guests from all over Belgium were invited (apart from their own family and friends).

1.The couple arrives and is being welcomed by the king and queen
2.Sweet gesture of Philippe
3.The couple dancing.
4.Mathilde reading the menu
5.(BTW all the food was Belgian)