In photos. Crowds, protocol, traffic jams and politics, a welcomed visit from the King of the Belgians and his wife to Lille

They arrived at the end of the morning in the Lille metropolis. For two days, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have been making a state visit to France. A busy day in the capital of Flanders which gave them a warm welcome.

They arrived at the very beginning of the afternoon, around 1:30 p.m. in Lille.

A guard of honor for young people from Lille. The schoolchildren and spectators were waiting for the monarchs, shouting “long live Belgium“.

Bérangère and her husband André have been waiting since 9:30 a.m. Sitting on a stool, they talk about what they hope for this royal day in Lille: “Get close enough to be able to call on them and have a photo with Madame. It’s his dream to have a photo with the couple and if we ever manage to get this photo, we will enlarge it and we will see it at the Palace Belgian to ask that they sign the photo As we do with His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco!“

First surprise of the day, the procession stops on rue Faidherbe. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde take a walk in the crowd, shaking hands with delighted spectators.

Joined by the mayor of Lille and Minister Valérie Létard, they completed the few meters on foot which took them to the square in front of the Opera.

Inside, a lunch is planned under the auspices of the Opera to salute the Franco-Belgian cultural proximity.

On the menu concocted by Maison Méert: Roasted turbot and butternut mousseline. For dessert, pavlova with exotic fruits.

In her speech, the mayor of Lille, Martine Aubry, recalled the links that unite the city and Belgium. “Everyone knows, Lille was Flemish. The building opposite is a fine example of Flemish heritage.” I would like to recall the major role in the economic development of our city and our region, Belgian workers who came to the textile industry at the end of the 19th century and to whom we owe a lot.” “This story and our Franco-Belgian friendship we carry in our heart.”

“Barely 40 minutes by train separate Lille and Brussels, we should come more often!” says King Philippe, thanking the people of Lille for the warm welcome.

In the streets of Lille, major traffic jams have formed. Some streets are closed to traffic.

After lunch, the visit took a more economical turn. The King and Queen met business leaders at Euratechnologies.

Then, Martine Aubry told the royal couple, from the roofs of Euratechnologies, the metamorphosis of the Bois-Blancs district.

Finally, the monarchs joined the Prefecture which specifies : “This visit will also deepen the bilateral defense and security relationship, the density of economic and commercial exchanges as well as academic, scientific and innovation cooperation, which contribute to European sovereignty.”

During a press conference, Housing Minister Valérie Létard declared : “The links are more than cooperation through large projects. We live together, we share a common culture, a common vision. The sovereigns were very happy to come and consolidate these links. Their kindness, their attentiveness and their simplicity left an impression on us all.”

At the end of the day, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were received at the Northern Prefecture, Place de la République. Before joining the military ceremony planned for their departure.

At 6:30 p.m., as planned by protocol, their Majesties returned to the road.