King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited the Saint-Cyr Military Academy (AMSCC) at the Coëtquidan military camp in Guer, the largest military academy for officer cadets in France. The academy collaborates with the Belgian Royal Military Academy through the European Erasmus+ program for student exchanges. Within this framework, Prince Gabriel, along with three other cadet officers, is undergoing a five-month training program at the academy.
After the official welcome and a presentation about the academy, the King and Queen visited the Officers' Museum. The King and Queen then attended a lunch with the academy's senior officers. The King and Queen also met with several French and international cadet officers.
So cute, looks like Gabriel brought mom to his room, to see where he bunks and a roommate. Very proud parents. Not fussy on the queens outfit, thought it fits well and perhaps the cape fends off the cold. The hat suits her well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all your comments.
DeleteI seem to recall her wearing that cape before - or else something very similar - with those unusual pleats around the neckline.
- Anon 9:13
Very elegant. 💕
ReplyDeleteKing Philippe and Prince Gabriel are both wearing the officers uniform of the Army : green trousers and a dark green jacket. Queen Mathilde is wearing one of her golden oldies. It must not have been very warm without a coat. Maybe they didn't stay long time outside.
ReplyDeleteShe has a great collection of classic pieces, and it's no surprise that she chose to wear one of her "golden oldies" — her timeless style often includes rewearing outfits in a way that feels both elegant and practical. You’re right that it might have been a bit chilly without a coat, but it's possible they kept their outdoor time brief given the nature of the event. Either way, their presence at the ceremony was undoubtedly a meaningful show of support, regardless of the weather.
DeleteYou can see the pride in the faces of his parents, fantastic. He is so tall, and handsome, looks fabulous in uniform!
ReplyDeleteGood lord, it looks like Q. Mathilde is wearing a stack of lampshades. The tailoring on the cape is dreadful.
ReplyDeleteAgrér totalt!
DeleteQueen Mathilde’s outfit might not be to everyone’s taste — her choice of a cape can be a bold fashion statement, and sometimes such pieces can be a bit divisive. The design may not have resonated with some, especially when it comes to the tailoring, but Queen Mathilde often embraces unique and avant-garde styles, which can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on personal preference. Fashion is all about expression, and she certainly has a way of standing out in her choices!
DeleteThe gentlemen all look very dapper in their uniforms. Mathilde's outfit is pretty - it suits her well and blends in nicely with the military environment. I just can't help but think that it would've been a lot more comfortable to wear a pantsuit, a warmer coat and some more sensible shoes when running around on an army base.
ReplyDelete-Nika-
The focus on maintaining a certain level of formality and tradition is often key in these kinds of settings, especially for someone in Mathilde's position. Her outfit might be designed to show respect for the occasion and those around her, even if it's not the most practical choice for the environment. In a way, it's part of the role to represent elegance and professionalism, even when comfort might take a backseat.
Delete@ Nika
DeleteShe didn't run around on an army base. She was visiting her son at the military academy in France where he is following a special program. She didn't stay longtime outside either. They visited the officer's museum and had lunch with the academy senior officers. They encountered and talked with the other French and international students. Read the introductory text before giving your comments.
You could still do all of these things in a suit. Jeez, it's a harmless opinion on fashion, not a personal attack.
DeleteNatans signature is again very recognisable. This architect turned fashion designer, hence the abstract and constructed look of Mathildes outfit. Even queen Maxima swears by his work for 20 years now.She drives personnally to Brussels for fittings. The both Queens hats are a Belgian succes too, handmade by Fabienne Delvigne. Anyone can try a hat on in her Brussels shop. NATAN too has a ready to wear line available in Antwerp, Brussels, Knokke and Amsterdam..
ReplyDelete@ Peter.be Belgium
DeleteNatan is the name of the company. The designer is Edouard Vermeulen. Queen Mathilde wore this outfit several times before. It has been said before that her hat maker is Fabienne Delvigne, especially when Queen Mathilde receive bad comments on her hats. Just like the queen wears clothes from NATAN, she wears as well clothes from other Belgian - & European designers and beyond Europe. Queen Maxima is also wearing hats made by other designers, more than Queen Mathilde who also has clutches made by Fabienne Delvigne.
Peter, Natan's unique style blends architecture and fashion, which is why both Queen Máxima and Queen Mathilde have trusted him for years. His designs, along with Fabienne Delvigne's handmade hats, showcase Belgian craftsmanship at its best. It’s great that Natan’s ready-to-wear line is available in several cities too.
Delete@ Anonymous 16:28
Delete.......and not to forget Queen Paola has been a client at Natan's for years.
Cette petite cape est moche à mon goût
ReplyDeleteFroufrou
Queen Mathilde looks lovey but maybe not so suitable for this occasion as above mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI actually think Queen Mathilde's outfit is quite fitting for the occasion. Her style often blends elegance with appropriateness, and she manages to look both chic and regal. Every event can have different expectations, and I think she struck the right balance here.
DeleteJoli pied-de-poule mais pas du tout avec ce genre de petite cape ; original et drôle de chapeau !
ReplyDeleteLovely school visit as well as an official event for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. Mathilde looks marvelous in her ensemble---although walking around outside in towering heels must have been challenge. I agree with the late Queen Elizabeth--hat brims should take into consideration being able to see the wearer's face when styled. I like this hat on Mathilde but wish that brim didn't cover her face as much. It's so sweet how Gabriel is the typical college student, bringing his parents to see his dorm room. You can see how proud of him they are. In terms of fashion--my problem with this outfit is the cape. The tailoring of the cape is pretty awful. It draws and puckers with the movement of her shoulders and arms--but had it been tailored correctly it should flow with her movements. The fabric is too stiff. I also don't like the slight boatneck style of the cape either. A re-working of these problems would really help the overall look of what has the potential to be a beautiful houndstooth dress. Her choice of tan accessories is a good idea for the contrast with the checked patterned.
ReplyDeleteJanet
@ Janet
DeleteWhen I hear you talking about Gabriel as a college student, it is like you talk about a boy at secondary school. I know that college in English means not the same, but Gabriel is a young adult who is studying at a military academy as well in Belgium as in France. A military academy is the equivalent of university studies + all the physical exercises he has to do. You should see the photo's which are not published here because they are not concerning fashion. If you look carefully at his uniform, you see a badge which learn us he is also a parachutist. I saw a video film only recently where he jumps out of a plane. A pity this blog is not showing all that and is not showing the other pictures of the visit of his parents. There was also a parade watched by the king and queen. The comments we read here are based on a few photo's. If they saw the rest of them the comments would be quite different.
About Queen Mathilde's outfit. This is not a new dress and cape. She has been wearing the dress alone under a coat too. Why would the fabric be too stiff ? Did you felt it ? Or is it just because everyone is saying that about the fabrics used by the house of Natan ? I had a dress like that once (not the cape) in an excellent wool quality. It was not stiff and felt soft. I am also surprised why everybody is focused on Queen Mathilde's heels lately. Last saturday in Paris at the Notre-Dame. According to one of the bloggers her feet were swollen on one picture on all the other pictures they were quite normal. It was of course the way the picture had been made. Now again, because there were 1 or 2 pictures outside the queen's high heels receive critics. For the rest of the day she was inside the premises, eating lunch, visiting a museum and watching a parade. Don't you think Queen Mathilde is quite capable and intelligent enough to know when she must wear other shoes or not ?
I feel this type of hat doesn't combine very well with the dress and its cape let it be for its (and the bag's) colour
ReplyDeleteI think the combination could work depending on the overall vibe you're going for. Sometimes contrasting elements can create an interesting balance, and the hat might add a unique touch to the outfit. It's all about personal style and how you feel about the look!
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