A royal wind blew across Paris at the start of the week. And for good reason on October 14, 2024, King Philippe and his wife Mathilde of Belgium began their three-day state visit to France. After a welcoming ceremony which took place at the Arc de Triomphe in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, their Majesties followed the presidential couple, who organized a sumptuous dinner in their honor in the evening. , at the Elysée Palace.
Remember that the last state visit of a Belgian sovereign to French soil dates back to 2003 when Jacques Chirac, still in power, warmly welcomed Albert II and his wife Paola, Philippe’s parents. Monday during this reception alongside her husband, Brigitte Macron, elegantly dressed in a long black dress with rhinestones, took pleasure in chatting with their many hand-picked guests. Specializing in crowned heads, Stéphane Bern would not have missed the event for anything.
Rachida Dati “twists the towels” during the evening
Also invited, Tatiana Silva, who was crowned Miss Belgium in 2005, shone alongside major political figures. And among them, the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati who amused “on the table” brilliantly, according to the revelations of Paris Match. According to our colleagues, his was “the liveliest” of the evening. Narrating “twisting stories“while challenging his interlocutors to do”turn the towels” when the Republican Guard orchestra sang “Desire“, an essential hit by Johnny Hallyday, Zohra’s mother made a strong impression.
To celebrate the arrival of Philippe and Mathilde from Belgium at 55 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron pulled out all the stops. Having called on the famous starred chef Georges Blanc “under the coordination of Fabrice Desvignes, chef of the kitchens of the Elysée“, the Macron couple and their distinguished guests were able to taste exceptional dishes: blue lobster, eggplant confit with Breton curry, in addition to Bresse chicken with porcini mushrooms, and a large chocolate pod raw was opted for dessert in addition to raspberries.
Above all “allies” and “friends”
The complicity between Emmanuel Macron and King Philippe is undeniable. The proof is, in April during a European summit, Brigitte Macron’s husband transgressed etiquette by grabbing the sovereign by the arm. “A gesture which did not escape observers and other fans of royalty who wondered on the networks if Macron really thought that the king was his friend. confided Belgian journalist and monarchy specialist Wim Dehandschutter to Paris Match. A strong and symbolic gesture which did not in the least offend the King of the Belgians, quite the contrary!
