The future of the Crown of Belgium is assured, thanks to Princess Elisabeth. The 22-year-old will succeed her father, King Philippe, when the time comes. In the meantime, and while she certainly occupies a special place within her siblings, her relationship with her parents is no different from that which her two brothers and her sister have with the monarchs, assures Wim Dehandschutter, royal journalist for the daily The Latest Newsinterviewed by Point of view : “Lisa, as she is affectionately known, never received special treatment at home.”
Well known to the Crown, Wim Dehandschutter has already had the opportunity to discuss this subject with Mathilde of Belgium, who never makes any distinction between her four children. “When I ask Queen Matilda about Elizabeth, she immediately mentions all her children. So if I ask, ‘How did the Crown Princess’s exams go?’ she invariably replies, ‘All four of our children got good grades.’”the royal commentator reports to the French magazine.
>> PHOTOS – Queen Mathilde, King Philippe and their four children: the Belgian royal family reunited for the National Day
“I am a mother first, then a queen.”
Wim Dehandschutter also insists on the point of honour that the king’s wife makes of putting her family before her status as queen. “Right after King Philip ascended the throne in 2013, I went to New York with Queen Mathilde. She told me, ‘I am a mother first, and then a queen.’ It was a reminder that her family would always be her property.”he analyzes in Point of view. And to add: “Philippe and Mathilde are modern, involved, loving, enthusiastic parents.” It is true that the sovereign couple is often described as an inseparable team and very close to their children.
The journalist thus recalls an anecdote proving the special relationship that Mathilde maintains with each of her heirs. “I was very touched to see the attention the Queen paid to her youngest daughter Eleanor, during the garden party celebrating the 10th anniversary of King Philip’s reign.”he remembers. “During a walk in the gardens, in front of guests and the media, she put her arm around her youngest daughter’s shoulder and hugged her. That’s what motherly love is.”
Photo credits: Backgrid USA / Bestimage
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