King Philippe of Belgium, known for his humble and approachable demeanor, contrasts with the captivating Queen Mathilde, who brings glamour to the royal family. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, they are a scandal-free couple admired by the public. Queen Mathilde, a dedicated patron and role model, is celebrated for her charm and public presence. Their eldest daughter, Princess Elisabeth, is set to become the first reigning queen of Belgium, embodying both her parents’ qualities.
Where is it stated that a king must exude majesty? At 64, King Philippe of Belgium typically embodies a friendly, humble demeanor, lacking the grand, aloof presence often associated with royal figures. Some critics describe him as ‘pale and monotonous,’ even dubbing him ‘the silent king.’
In contrast, his wife possesses a captivating charm. Queen Mathilde, 51, born Countess d’Udekem d’Acoz, serves as the dazzling heart of the Belgian royal family. The daughter of Belgian nobleman Count Patrick d’Udekem d’Acoz and Polish Countess Anna Maria Komorowska, she brings a touch of glamour to the royal palace in Brussels and their private residence, Castle Laeken.
Together, they form a regal and dignified partnership that resonates positively with the Belgian people. This December 4, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, marking 25 years of marriage.
A Unique Standing Among European Monarchies
The couple enjoys a distinctive status within European royal circles: they are entirely scandal-free and have not been involved in any controversies, unlike many other royal families.
Queen Mathilde has become a defining figure in Belgium. Time and again, this mother of four enchants the public with her appearances. As a patron of various organizations and initiatives, she skillfully manages a busy schedule while maintaining her charm.
When she received the Bambi Award in the Charity category in 2019, the jury noted: ‘She is deeply committed to the well-being of all people, dedicating her life to this mission. Queen Mathilde of the Belgians is not just a national representative; she is a role model for everyone in Europe.’
US magazine ‘Vanity Fair’ praises the trained psychologist for her ‘remarkable sense of public relations,’ describing her as ‘wonderful, fresh, and stylish.’ Mathilde, although not extravagant in her classic wardrobe choices, always carries herself with confidence and elegance, providing steadfast support to the king.
Philippe’s Journey to Royalty
Philippe, who shares lineage with British King Charles III through the German noble house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, ascended the throne in 2013, following his father, King Albert II. At that time, he was 53 years old. Initially, he was expected to succeed his uncle, King Baudouin, who raised him but passed away childless in 1993, leading to Philippe’s father taking the throne.
The somewhat reserved Philippe pursued political science after completing military training as a fighter pilot in Oxford and Stanford. The specifics of how he met his wife remain undisclosed, although rumors suggest that a spark ignited during a tennis match between the crown prince and the enchanting countess, leading Philippe to reportedly exclaim, ‘That’s the one!’
Mathilde’s adventurous spirit took her across the globe in her youth. ‘She backpacked through regions in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East with friends,’ according to a biography from the royal palace. In the 1990s, she worked as a speech therapist in Brussels while studying psychology at Catholic University, graduating in 2002.
Philippe has been preparing for his royal role for decades. As a passionate long-distance runner and environmental advocate, he has led numerous foreign missions to bolster Belgian enterprises. Unlike his charismatic father, he is more introverted. When questioned about his future, he succinctly stated: ‘I will be ready!’
The Future Queen of Belgium
The royal couple is blessed with four children. Their eldest daughter, Princess Elisabeth, 23, is the heir apparent. She appears to have inherited her father’s quiet determination and her mother’s charm, making a remarkable impression as the Duchess of Brabant—whether donning military attire during her service, studying political science at Harvard, or gracing festive events in designer gowns. Elisabeth is poised to become the first reigning queen of the Belgians.