Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg laughs as she and Queen Mathilde of Belgium hug under an umbrella during the state visit’s welcoming ceremony
The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg was in high spirits as she and the Queen of Belgium huddled under an umbrella to chat during a ceremony at the Place des Palais.
Maria Teresa, 68 – who met the royals with her husband Grand Duke Henri as they began their state visit to Brussels today – laughed as Mathilde, 51, held up the parasol over them to shield them from the rain.
The official welcoming ceremony took place in the castle square, where both national anthems were played after a presentation by the troops.
The Queen of Belgium was effortlessly elegant in a dark pink ensemble with an A-line dress that cinched in at the waist with a belt.
She accessorized her look with a matching headpiece and handbag, teamed with pastel gloves.
The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg was in high spirits as she and the Queen of Belgium huddled under an umbrella to chat
Meanwhile, Maria Teresa opted for a deep navy dress and embellished overcoat.
The Grand Duchess also went for dazzling earrings and a glamorous make-up look, styling her short blonde locks in gentle waves.
Elsewhere, the Grand Duke, 69, and King Philippe of Belgium, 64, wore smart suits as they walked and chatted next to each other.
For the three-day visit to Belgium, the Grand Duke will also be joined by Luxembourg officials as well as Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Finance Minister Gilles Roth.
Also on the agenda today is a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in memory of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
Meetings are then planned at the Palais de la Nation before the royals all meet for lunch.
The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess will also join the Belgian couple for an appearance on the City Hall balcony.
Day one ends with a state banquet at Château de Laeken. This trip aims to highlight “new areas of cooperation” as outlined by the Luxembourg government.
The pair chatted as they sheltered from the rain under an umbrella together – as the first day of the state visit began
Elsewhere, the Grand Duke, 69, and King Philippe of Belgium, 64, wore smart suits as they walked and chatted next to each other
For the three-day trip, the Grand Duke will also be joined by Luxembourg officials as well as Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Finance Minister Gilles Roth
Also on the agenda today is a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in memory of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
Meetings are then planned at the Palais de la Nation before the royals all meet for lunch
“This is the second state visit to Belgium by TRH, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess,” a statement on the website read.
‘Reflects the excellent relationship between Luxembourg and Belgium, which are close neighbors united by strong historical, political, socio-economic and cultural ties.’
It comes as Henri has revealed he already has an abdication date in mind – putting him in the fray of older European monarchs who are rumored to be considering stepping down to allow their young heirs to take power.
Talking to La Libreas reported by Point de Vuethe royal said he knows the exact date he plans to pass the baton to his son Guillaume, 42 – but ‘doesn’t want to tell’ the press yet.
‘All this is planned in family consultation. I think it is very important to give the young people a perspective,’ he added.
Day one ends with a state banquet at Château de Laeken. This trip aims to highlight “new areas of cooperation” as outlined by the Luxembourg government
The official welcoming ceremony took place at the Place des Palais, where both national anthems were played after a presentation by the troops
.The Queen of Belgium was effortlessly elegant in a dusky pink ensemble with an A-line dress cinched in at the waist with a belt
Mathilde accessorized her look with a matching headpiece and handbag, teamed with pastel gloves
‘Transmission and trust are the two essential elements in my relationship with my son Guillaume.’
The outlet, which reported on a conversation the Grand Duke had with the Place Royale programme, also revealed that he said it is ‘obvious’ that he ‘intends to retire at some point’.
‘There are plans,’ explained Henri – who has ruled since October 2000 -. ‘There will come a day when it must be done.’
His comments follow a spate of abdication rumors among European royals after Queen Margrethe of Denmark made the shock decision to abdicate after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as king on January 14.
At the time, royal biographer Phil Dampier told MailOnline that he believes King Charles will be affected by events in Denmark since New Year’s Eve – particularly if it would protect the future of the British royal family.
He added that the Prince and Princess of Wales are very friendly with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary and will have been in contact with them.
Meanwhile, Maria Teresa opted for a deep navy dress and embellished overcoat. Opting for dazzle earrings and a glamorous make-up look, the Grand Duchess styled her short blonde locks in gentle waves
Mathilde elevated her classy look with a pearl necklace and embellished earrings, adding to her dusky pink outfit
The royals shielded themselves from the rain with clear umbrellas as the state visit began
Maria Teresa was all smiles as she donned a navy dress and patterned overcoat for day one of the visit
The royals greeted each other warmly and leaned in to chat to each other as their state visit began today
The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were in good spirits as they walked side by side today
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the King of Belgium matched in sleek black coats for the outing
The royal couple chatted and smiled as they embarked on day one of the state visit, which starts today
Mathilde added warmth to the dark weather with a dark pink ensemble, which she accessorized with a matching bag
Mathilde accessorized her look with a hat and gloves, elevating the already elegant and glamorous look
“Our late queen would never abdicate because of what happened in 1936 when her uncle abdicated and her father came to the throne. But times change,’ he explained.
‘William and Kate are very happy with Frederik and Mary and will be among the first to congratulate them. They will be fascinated to see how they progress as king and queen, and it will also make them think about their future.’
However, King Harald of Norway has confirmed that he has no plans to abdicate following speculation that he could follow in the footsteps of his former Danish colleague.
The 86-year-old monarch (who is a second cousin of King Charles III) insisted that the promise he made to the Norwegian parliament when he took the throne in 1991 ‘lasts for life’.
King Harald told Faktisk.no: ‘I stand by what I have said all along. I have taken an oath to the Storting, and it lasts for life’.
The Grand Duke and his wife Maria Teresa, 68, have five children, including Guillaume – Prince Félix, 39, Prince Louis, 37, Princess Alexandra, 33, and Prince Sébastien, 31.
Guillaume and his wife Stéphanie, 40, have two sons: Charles, three, and François Henri Louis Marie Guillaume, who turned one last month.