Queen Mathilde and several other senior members of the Belgian Royal Family attended the Service for the Deceased Members of the Royal Family yesterday. The mass was not held last year due to pandemic restrictions, so it’s been a while since we have seen the extended family together.
Service for the Deceased Members of the Royal Family 2022
Queen Mathilde wore a new coat by Meer, but pulled out a surprise in the jewelry quarter, wearing a seed pearl choker she has had many years. It hadn’t been seen on her since 2010. Once again, I have a strong preference for one outing over the other. We’ll see if Baguettes agree.
Queen Mathilde paired the choker with a new dark blue Meer coat, gloves, clutch, and a repeated hat. The seed pearls and pearl earrings are a nice way to interrupt that expanse of deep blue!
National Day 2010
In 2010, the then-Princess wore the choker to the Te Deum on National Day. She paired with with a sleeveless white top and what I believe to be the same set of earrings. (Let me know if I am wrong).
In her early public days, Mathilde actually wore the choker much more often. She chose it for occasions that ranged from semi-formal to downright fancy.
Wonderful to see Queen Mathilde wearing this delicate pearl choker again. If I’m not mistaken it’s been years since we saw this piece. pic.twitter.com/wG0uHshUAi
— Queen Mathilde Blog (@BlogMathilde) February 17, 2022
Other than the Queen, the other royals in attendance were King Philippe, Queen Paola, King Albert II, Prince Laurent, Princess Claire, Princess Astrid, Prince Lorenz, Princess Delphine, her partner James O’Hare, and the delightfully named Princess Léa of Belgium. Léa is the widow of Prince Alexandre of Belgium (Albert’s half brother, one of the Princess of Rethy’s children).
Princess Léa wore a dramatic brown cape (which swirled a bit in the wind) and a fedora, so she endeared herself to me immediately.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium looks elegant in navy at memorial service https://t.co/03AoBr2PlK pic.twitter.com/o2nMZtnSfP
— Woody (@Knewz_Currently) February 17, 2022
Princess Claire looked rather dashing in her houndstooth coat and solid black boots, hats, and accessories. With her mask, it’s almost like she’s in disguise!
Queen Paola showed that there is no age limit on great hair or great earrings. Albert, although looking slightly frail, managed a cozy and dashing scarf to finish off his outfit.
Delphine always gives us something to talk about sartorially, even when toned down for a serious ceremony. In this case, it’s her veiled hat and some pretty impressive platforms. Oh, and that Dr. Zhivago-inspired coat isn’t bad, either!
Astrid is bringing back the nineties here with that very serious headband.
The Daily Mail has more photos and the always thorough ModekoninginMathilde will give you the entire lowdown on Queen’s Mathilde’s ensemble!