Belgian Royal Family Hosts Lunch for Inspiring Women at Laeken Castle
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium recently hosted a luncheon at the Palace of Laeken, honoring eight Belgian women recognized for their significant contributions to various fields. The event, held in advance of International Women’s Day on March 8th, highlighted the achievements of these individuals and the royal couple’s commitment to recognizing female leadership.
Honorees at Laeken Castle
The women invited to the luncheon included Paralympic rider Michèle George, author Caroline Lamarche, business manager and general and artistic director of the Royal Theater de Munt in Brussels, Christina Scheppelmann, doctor Sofie Claerhout, Véronique Jacobs, Ellen Moons, and Kristel Verbeke. [Source: histoiresroyales.fr]
A Celebration of Achievement
According to the Belgian court, the women were selected for their ability to “craft a difference in their field.” The luncheon provided an opportunity for the King and Queen to engage with these leaders and learn more about their perform. [Source: histoiresroyales.fr]
About the Palace of Laeken
The Palace of Laeken, located 5 km (3 mi) north of Brussels city center, serves as the official residence of the King and Queen of the Belgians and the Belgian royal family. [Source: Wikipedia] Originally built between 1782 and 1784 as the Palace of Schonenberg for the Governors of the Habsburg Netherlands, it underwent significant rebuilding and expansion after a fire in 1890, particularly during the reign of King Leopold II. [Source: Wikipedia] The palace is situated within the Royal Domain of Laeken, a large private park. [Source: Wikipedia]
Kristel Verbeke and K3 Reunion
Among the honorees, Kristel Verbeke, a singer and presenter, is known for being a founding member of the popular Belgian girl group K3 in 1998. A recent reunion of K3 has been documented in a new documentary. [Source: histoiresroyales.fr]
This luncheon underscores the Belgian Royal Family’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women in Belgium, particularly as International Women’s Day approaches.