Royal New Year's reception in Brussels
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde held the traditional New Year's reception at the Royal Palace.
On January 8, 2026, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde held the annual New Year's reception for foreign ambassadors at the Royal Palace in Brussels. The event gathered diplomats from around the world accredited in Belgium.
Princess Elisabeth, Belgium's heir to the throne, also attended the reception for EU institutions a few days later. The 24-year-old princess has taken on increasingly official duties after completing her studies at Oxford.
Queen Mathilde in elegant Natan outfit at the New Year's reception January 8, 2026. Photo: Belgian Royal House
King Philippe gave a speech reflecting on Belgium's challenges and opportunities in the new year. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the country's different language groups and regions.
Queen Mathilde in royal blue dress and Crown Princess Elisabeth at the reception for EU institutions January 13. Photo: Belgian Royal House
Queen Mathilde was elegantly dressed in a pale pink silk outfit from Natan and wore diamond and kunzite earrings made by Belgian jeweler Leysen. She warmly welcomed the guests and is known for her commitment to education and mental health.
The New Year's reception is an important tradition in the Belgian monarchy and demonstrates the royal family's role as a unifying symbol for the multilingual country.
Crown Princess Elisabeth in navy blue Armani dress and Queen Mathilde in royal blue at the EU reception. Photo: Belgian Royal House
Prince Gabriel, Princess Eléonore and Prince Emmanuel were also present, representing the younger generation of the royal family. They have all gradually taken on more official duties.
After the formal reception, refreshments were served in the palace's magnificent halls. Guests had the opportunity to personally greet the royal couple and exchange New Year's wishes.
The Belgian Royal House shared photos from the reception on social media, wishing all Belgians a happy new year.
Queen Mathilde in elegant Natan outfit at the New Year's reception January 8, 2026. Photo: Belgian Royal House
King Philippe gave a speech reflecting on Belgium's challenges and opportunities in the new year. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the country's different language groups and regions.
Queen Mathilde in royal blue dress and Crown Princess Elisabeth at the reception for EU institutions January 13. Photo: Belgian Royal House
Queen Mathilde was elegantly dressed in a pale pink silk outfit from Natan and wore diamond and kunzite earrings made by Belgian jeweler Leysen. She warmly welcomed the guests and is known for her commitment to education and mental health.
The New Year's reception is an important tradition in the Belgian monarchy and demonstrates the royal family's role as a unifying symbol for the multilingual country.
Crown Princess Elisabeth in navy blue Armani dress and Queen Mathilde in royal blue at the EU reception. Photo: Belgian Royal House
Prince Gabriel, Princess Eléonore and Prince Emmanuel were also present, representing the younger generation of the royal family. They have all gradually taken on more official duties.
After the formal reception, refreshments were served in the palace's magnificent halls. Guests had the opportunity to personally greet the royal couple and exchange New Year's wishes.
The Belgian Royal House shared photos from the reception on social media, wishing all Belgians a happy new year.