King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium continued their state visit to France yesterday with a stop at the Château de Chantilly, where an exhibition dedicated to Louise d’Orléans, first queen of the Belgians, awaited them. A strong moment, full of history and emotion.
After two intense days of official visits to Paris, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde left the French capital this Wednesday, October 16 to go to Chantilly. Located a few kilometers north of Paris, this majestic castle is much more than just an architectural gem. It hosts a unique exhibition dedicated to Louise d’Orléans, the first queen of the Belgians. The exhibition, which will open to the public on October 19, highlights a too often forgotten figure in Belgian and European history.
Accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, the Belgian royal couple was able to discover in advance the artistic and historical treasures on display, including numerous objects from the Belgian royal collection. This cultural collaboration marks a new stage in the strengthening of Franco-Belgian ties.
A queen with an unknown destiny
Louise d’Orléans, daughter of King Louis-Philippe of France and wife of Leopold I, played a crucial role in the emergence of the young kingdom of Belgium. Passionate about art, she initiated a royal collection which promoted the development of Belgian romanticism. Among the highlights of the exhibition are works by renowned artists such as Franz Xaver Winterhalter, whom Louise herself had discovered in Paris.
In addition to her passion for the arts, Louise d’Orléans was a fervent letter writer. His correspondence with the crowned heads of the time, as well as his relationships with artists and intellectuals, illustrate his influence beyond the Belgian borders.
Unpublished treasures
The Chantilly exhibition brings together emblematic works as well as intimate objects that belonged to the queen. Among them, a painting by François-Joseph Navez, on loan from a Belgian church, represents a tragic moment in Louise’s life: the loss of her first child. Other touching souvenirs, such as a bracelet given by Queen Victoria or even ball slippers, bear witness to the refinement and sensitivity of this queen who died prematurely at the age of 38.
Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to admire furniture, jewelry and paintings directly from the royal collection, carefully transported from Belgium for this special occasion. A special link links the Château de Chantilly to Louise d’Orléans since her brother, Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, is at the origin of the founding of the Condé museum which hosts this retrospective.
Closing of the state visit
After this cultural stopover in Chantilly, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde headed to Lille, their last stop in France. In this city marked by history and proximity to Belgium, the royal couple was welcomed by the mayor, Martine Aubry, before meeting the inhabitants during a walkabout. Mathilde took the time to greet the children by waving Belgian flags, while Philippe warmly thanked the people of Lille for their welcome.
The visit ended with a lunch at the Lille Opera, where the economic and cultural issues uniting this region and Belgium were discussed. This moment marked the end of a state visit which will have made it possible to strengthen historical, political and cultural links between France and Belgium.
state visit of the king queen king Philippe queen Mathilde macron Brigitte Macron
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