Greek state visit to Belgium

[Hannelore]

More........

 

[Hannelore]

3rd day of the visit:

President of Greece Constantinos Stephanopoulos greets Greek residents February 3, 2005 in Houthalen, Belgium.

 

[Hannelore]

Constantinos Stephanopoulos visits the Genk Greek orthodox church.

 

[Hannelore]

King Albert and queen Paola attend a farewell ceremony for Greek President Stephanopoulos at the military base of Kleine Brogel in Bree, Belgium.

And that was the end of the Greek visit!

 

[Julia]

From www.hellomagazine.com

2 FEBRUARY 2005

Belgium's young princesses provided a delightful welcome for Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos when he began a three-day visit to their country this week.

The president was honoured by King Albert II and Queen Paola at a gala dinner amid the elegant surroundings of Laeken palace, just outside Brussels on Tuesday evening. And ably supporting the elder royals present was a bevy of fashionably-dressed princesses consisting of Crown Prince Philippe's wife Mathilde and her sisters-in-law, Princess Astrid and British-born Princess Claire.

Mathilde and Astrid, who is Philippe's younger sister, made a winning style combination as they posed for the official photographs against the backdrop of an imposing marble fireplace adorned with exquisite porcelain jars.

The crown princess opted for a floaty, peach-coloured dress with a heavily sequined bodice and light gauze stole to match. Astrid was in a slightly paler shade of pink, with unusual silver-grey detailing and a chic little silver clutch-bag. Princess Claire, who is married to Philippe's brother Prince Laurent, went for bolder colouring and a more tailored style of gown.

Mr Stephanopoulos, who has served two terms in the largely ceremonial role of president, is in Belgium at the invitation of the king and queen. This will be one of his final official trips abroad, as in March, the Greek parliament is to hold elections for a new president.



I thought Astrid and Mathilde looked just lovely! Astrid's gown in particular was very fresh and etheral. She looked marvelous. And, thought Mathilde's gown was not my absolute favourite I still thought she looked extremely elegant.

 

[pdas1201]

More pics from Day 2, reception at the Greek Embassy where the Belgian Royal Family met Greek residents.In these pics, Belgian RF greeting each other.

 

[pdas1201]

two more...

 

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

More pics from Day 2, reception at the Greek Embassy where the Belgian Royal Family met Greek residents.In these pics, Belgian RF greeting each other.

I think Mathilde's hair lookes so nice, with the little butterfly-hairpins in it

 

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

more from Seegerpress

 

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

big photos of the arrival of the Greek president, and of the royal escort - in front of the royal palace

 

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

...........

 

[Julia]

Wonderful photos, Catherine! Thanks so much for posting them.

 

[Hannelore]

More pics from the gala night

 

[Larzen]

Princess Astrids gala dress is by the New York based english designer Mathew Williamson, he usually dresses the younger "hipper" part of Hollywood like Siena Miller. Very fashionforward by a woman in her 40s and a mother of five Id say Still Astrid looks better than ever IMO.

Princess Astrid
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=112749

http://www.vogue.co.uk/shows/photos/Default.aspx?showID=1003&type=show&pageNo=4

 

[HMQueenElizabethII]

Anyone know why the State Visit without Tiara and hats at all?