Tuesday 21 July 2015

Two years a queen

She was the first Belgian born woman to hold the position and two years on, it suits her. While the political and sociological debate today is around how well her husband is doing as a king, there is just as much interest in his consort. When Mathilde became the first home grown Queen of the Belgians on July 21st 2013 many felt that she would be key to the success or otherwise of the reign of King Philippe. As they mark this second anniversary, the general consensus is that this a reign leaning towards a happy ending.


Queen Mathilde of the Belgians with her husband and children on July 21st 2015
(photo @monarchiebelge)

There were concerns in some quarters when Albert II announced he was stepping aside that his son and heir might be overshadowed by his more relaxed, genial and charismatic wife. But Mathilde has taken to the role of consort like few others. She knows that the spotlight must fall on the man whose line rule the country and she has been exemplary at ensuring Philippe is the star of the show while providing pretty much flawless support.



 
 There have been a few odd moments - the time she confused two of Belgium's star football players during the impressive World Cup run was one of them. But again, this rather subtle and successful couple made the best of it. It only served to make her football mad husband seem ever more of a superfan - if anything could do that after all those selfies with superstars. Mathilde's reign has been all about letting Philippe shine and it's worked. Two years ago, no one would have predicted such a solid start to his reign. He's been hailed for his role in political debate, rather like his father Albert II was, although another striking part of his rule has been the way he put dad in his place when a row about royal press offices broke out. Philippe is becoming the star of the royal show and that's party due to his queen.





The Queen of the Belgians has also been successful in bringing her children into public life. Since becoming heiress to the throne, Princess Elisabeth has increased her royal duties and last year took a major role in commemorations for the centenary of the start of World War One. Her confidence in her public position and the way that her brothers and sister have shared some of the limelight is testament again to Mathilde who is always on hand with a reassuring smile or an arm around their shoulders. The recent images of her with her younger daughter, Eleonore, as they attended an engagement showed the concern she puts into making the roles her children acquired at birth as normal and easy a part of their lives as possible.



Mathilde isn't as glamourous as some of her fellow consorts around the continent. Her fashion choices have changed since she became a consort and the ice blue dress and hat she picked for the second anniversary of her husband's accession show how she is favouring slightly more daring and modern styles. But while other queens may get more international attention, Mathilde more than holds her own in popularity polls in her home country. She is popular, seen as a good role model and perceived as doing her job very well indeed. And two years into her reign, that's a pretty strong foundation for whatever the future may bring.

 
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