Belgium's Crown Princess Mathilde was overwhelmed with affection when she met pupils on a recent engagement in the Brussels region. School children bearing flags and balloons in the country's national colours of black, yellow and red crowded eagerly round their royal guest.
One little girl flung herself enthusiastically at the high profile visitor for a hug and a kiss, which Mathilde happily returned. A renowned campaigner for children's causes and a mother-of-three, the princess seems to thrive in the company of youngsters.
On this occasion the 33-year-old royal was viewing an art exhibition by immigrant children in Molenbeek, a rundown neighbourhood with high levels of crime. And it's clear the visit raised the spirits of the young people and their teachers. In addition to her commitment to kids in her homeland, Mathilde also criss-crosses the globe in her role as UNICEF's Special Representative for HIV/Aids-affected children.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
