King and Queen of the Belgians Visit London

The King and Queen of the Belgians arrived in London shortly before noon today for a brief introductory visit to the United Kingdom. The couple and their entourage flew in on a Belgian Air Force jet, which had been slightly delayed due to fog over London.

The Palace of Westminster was the first stop for the Belgians, as they met with Parliament leadership and the chairmen of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde then headed to Buckingham Palace for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth, who hosted a private lunch. Others in attendance were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. The attendees feasted on a lunch of cod fillet, grilled vegetables and beets.

Following the lunch, it was on to Westminster Abbey, where the King laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They were accompanied by the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders, and the Belgian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Guy Trouveroy. They were given a brief tour of the Abbey, before signing the guest book prior to their departure.

The final event of the visit to London was a reception at the Belgian Embassy, and a meeting with William Hague, the British First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Filed under Belgium, The United Kingdom
Tagged Belgian Installation 2013, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, King Philippe of the Belgians, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, The Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent.

One Response to King and Queen of the Belgians Visit London