Against the mystical backdrop of Beijing's stunning Forbidden City, Belgian Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde combined business with sightseeing when they visited the former home of Chinese emperors on Sunday.
In China to chair the Belgian Economic Mission, the young royals witnessed the progress being made on the digitalisation of cultural and architectural relics inside the Forbidden City. The items are being digitalised by a Belgian company in an effort to create a virtual archive of the treasures.
Bundled up for the late November weather, the prince and princess were clearly elated to have the opportunity to wander around the historic monument. Mathilde was très chic in a beige polo-necked poncho over brown trousers, while Philippe opted for a charcoal-grey knee-length coat to keep out the chilly Beijing breeze.
The 31-year-old princess, who champions various charitable causes, will pay a special visit later this week to Beijing’s Children's Welfare Institute for the Handicapped, while her husband will focus on meeting with business and political leaders to help promote economic co-operation between the two nations.
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