On May 7, 2026, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended the presentation ceremony for the 2026 Africa Prize of the King Baudouin Foundation at the Royal Palace in Brussels. The Africa Prize is awarded every two years to individuals or organizations from Africa committed to development and human rights on the African continent.
This year, the prize was awarded to the Zimbabwean organization Friendship Bench, which provides accessible and flexible psychological support rooted in local communities across six African countries and several others worldwide, helping to break taboos surrounding mental health issues. Before the ceremony, the King and Queen held an audience with representatives of the award-winning organization.
Queen Mathilde is wearing a new outfit by Esmeralda Ammoun, made of the fabric called kita. An African fabric which was reserved for kings to wear it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good match between the green jacket and the pink trousers. Her accessories are the pale pink clutch by Dior and the golden earrings with a hartshape stone made by the Italian artistic jeweller Percosi Pappy. I like the queen in this jacket and trousers, she is looking young and happy, full of energy. Next activity : is her 1st economic mission without the king, but surrounded by ministers, representatives of Belgian trade, etc.
The jacket is amazing. How creative of the designer to create a pattern using the same fabric as the trousers marrying the two pieces. I love the wide leg style on Mathilde!
ReplyDeleteVery very good!
ReplyDeleteThe jacket: colour and cut, and the trousers, same for them.
What good taste this queen has!
I like the style and lines of this outfit very much on Mathilde; however, I think the tassels on the jacket make it look cluttered. Perhaps there is some symbolism/cultural meaning to them I am unaware of.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
If you are interested, please read my comment.
Delete13:02
@Anon 13:02 and 17:48 - I did see your comment about the fabric being reserved for kings, which I found interesting; thank you for sharing. Does that include the tassels, too? That certainly would explain their presence.
Delete-Royal Watcher
I read carefully the comments of Sandra & 13:02. I have difficulties in being as positive as they are, particularly about the bottom of the jacket. Maybe if I saw the real thing ... I too love the wide legged trousers on Mathilde.
ReplyDeleteI also heard about her debut as a partner in the economic mission, a new challenge for her.
Sorry MaryT, Queen Mathilde is not just a partner in the economic missions, she is leading the Belgian delegation, just like Princess Astrid did and King (then Prince) Philippe did before her.
DeleteYes I know, 18:24, just took the first word coming through my mind, however the ministers and company leaders are the key actors. It is an opportunity for them to promote their business.
DeleteReally interesting jacket…love the varied design appliqués/details. The colors are nice, although I’m not loving the pairing with light pink trousers, even though the cut is great on the Queen.
ReplyDelete@ Anon. 16:11
DeleteThe appliqués on the jacket are light pink too to match the pink of the trousers. She could have chosen light beige appliqués to match with light beige trousers. I don' know if this possibility was available ? One must not forget the outfit is only inspired on the local dressmaking. It is made with the same fabric but according to Queen Mathilde's taste and it must be wearable later on too.
Beautiful pieces and a wonderful, flattering fit.
ReplyDeleteTrès joli ce vert qui s'associe bien avec le rose pâle du pantalon mais à mon avis, cette sorte de fanfreluches ne me semble pas flatteuse !
ReplyDeleteQueen Mathilde often reminds in the way she dresses something of the country she is visiting or hosting. It can be a print in a dress or colours which are used by the native people of the African countries. When she went to Vietnam on state visit, she wore a copy of the Vietnamese national dress (sort of kimono) she had made by a tailor adapted to her length. Each time she visits an African country, one can find her on the local market busy to compare several fabrics which she is probably buying to take home. There is a picture taken on one of their visits to Africa where King Philippe is helping her to choose a fabric.
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit on Mathilde. Her beautiful long legs do great credit to the wide, flared trousers. I also like that the King matched his tie to her colours, creating harmony between their two outfits. Mathilde's jacket both fits her and suits her very well.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
I love the jacket and I love the trouser I just don’t love them together. I can see how QM was looking to match the pink element in the jacket, but it’s too much of a contrast.
ReplyDeleteLowri.
I do like the jacket with the trousers but I would have liked it a little longer. Because she has a long torso, I think it is a bit out of balance, the long pink legs … (Nienke)
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is well put together, love the top very pretty. Fits well, the pants equally same. Love the color of her bag and shoes. The color of her pants work in well with the same near color flecks of her top. Nicely done.
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