Belgium’s royal family delivered a rare full-family moment at a state banquet at the Royal Palace of Laeken. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were joined by all four of their children: Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore. The gathering marked the first time the King and Queen have attended a state banquet with all of their children by their side, according to Hello!. A formal group photo in the Grand Dining Room added to the significance of the occasion, with the younger generation taking on a more visible place within the monarchy.
Princess Eleonore Makes Tiara Debut
Princess Eleonore, 17, drew particular attention after wearing a tiara in public for the first time. She paired the piece with a pastel pink gown featuring a swan-neck detail and a straight silhouette, a classic choice for a formal royal occasion. The tiara came from Queen Mathilde’s collection and was made by Brussels jeweler Coosemans. As reported by Hello!, royal reporter Rick Evers said the jewel was given to Eleonore as an 18th birthday gift from her parents in April. In many royal families, tiaras are typically introduced once a princess reaches adulthood.
Princess Elisabeth Wears Historic Diamond Tiara
Princess Elisabeth, 24, also took on a prominent role during the banquet. The future queen wore the Brabant Laurel Tiara, a diamond piece set in platinum and designed to resemble laurel branches with leaves and berries. Her appearance carried extra weight because of her position in the line of succession and her growing public duties. Elisabeth recently graduated from Harvard, adding another milestone to an already important year. She also wore the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum, one of Japan’s highest honors, underlining the diplomatic importance of the occasion.
Queen Mathilde Nods to Japan in Pink Gown
Queen Mathilde, 53, chose a powder pink gown embroidered with traditional Japanese fans and sequined lotus flowers, a clear tribute to the visiting guests. She completed the look with the Diamond Empire Tiara, also called the Tiara of the Nine Provinces. The jewel has deep royal history, having been given to Queen Astrid for her 1926 marriage to Leopold III of Belgium. Mathilde also wore the Order of the Chrysanthemum, matching the formal tone of the evening. Her ensemble linked Belgian royal tradition with a respectful gesture toward Japan’s imperial symbolism.
Prince Gabriel and Prince Emmanuel Join Family Milestone
Prince Gabriel, 21, and Prince Emmanuel, 19, were also present, helping complete the family lineup at the banquet. Their attendance reinforced the sense of transition within the Belgian monarchy, with each of the royal children now stepping into a more public setting. Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz also attended, extending the senior royal presence. Before the banquet, the family posed with their guests at the Royal Domain of Ciergnon for an official welcome portrait. The images from both appearances offered a clear picture of a royal house presenting unity, continuity and its next generation.
