Queen Mathilde of Belgium

Her Majesty Queen Mathilde, born Jonkvrouw Mathilde Marie Christine Ghislaine d'Udekem d'Acoz on 20 January 1973, holds the esteemed position of Queen of the Belgians. As the cherished wife of His Majesty King Philippe, she is a pivotal figure in the Belgian monarchy. Her full birth name, often pronounced [matild dyd(ə)kɛm dakɔ] in Belgian French, reflects her noble lineage from the d'Udekem d'Acoz family, a long-established house of the Belgian nobility with roots tracing back centuries.

Before ascending to her royal role, Mathilde was an accomplished professional. She pursued higher education, earning a diploma in speech therapy in 1994 and subsequently a master's degree in psychology from the Université catholique de Louvain in 2002. Prior to her marriage, she worked as a speech therapist, demonstrating a commitment to public service and care even before her royal duties commenced. This background in human sciences is often cited as a valuable asset in her current philanthropic and social engagements as Queen, enabling her to connect deeply with various societal issues and initiatives.

On 4 December 1999, Mathilde married Prince Philippe (then Duke of Brabant) in a grand ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, an event that captivated the hearts of the Belgian nation. Upon the abdication of King Albert II on 21 July 2013, her husband acceded to the throne as King Philippe, and Mathilde officially became Queen of the Belgians. Together, they have four children: Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant (the heir apparent, ensuring the future of the Belgian monarchy), Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore, forming the core of the contemporary Belgian Royal Family.

As Queen, Mathilde plays a significant role in representing Belgium both domestically and internationally. Her duties encompass supporting numerous charitable causes, particularly those focused on children's welfare, mental health awareness, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment. She is an honorary president of UNICEF Belgium and a prominent special advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on areas like health, education, and gender equality. Her engagements often involve direct interaction through visits to schools, hospitals, and social organizations across Belgium, highlighting her active involvement in the daily lives and challenges faced by Belgian citizens.

A distinctive and historically significant aspect of Queen Mathilde's reign is her unique status as the first native-born Belgian to hold the title of Queen consort. Throughout Belgium's history since its independence in 1830, all previous Queens – including Louise-Marie of Orléans (French), Marie Henriette of Austria (Austrian), Elisabeth in Bavaria (German), Astrid of Sweden (Swedish), Paola Ruffo di Calabria (Italian), and Fabiola de Mora y Aragón (Spanish) – were of foreign birth. Mathilde's Belgian roots represent a notable milestone for the monarchy, symbolizing a deeper integration with the national identity and culture. Her Belgian heritage resonates strongly with the populace, fostering a sense of national pride and a closer connection to their Queen.

Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Mathilde

When was Queen Mathilde born?

Queen Mathilde was born on 20 January 1973.

What was Queen Mathilde's maiden name?

Her maiden name was Jonkvrouw Mathilde Marie Christine Ghislaine d'Udekem d'Acoz.

Is Queen Mathilde the first Belgian-born Queen?

Yes, Queen Mathilde is historically significant as the first native-born Belgian to become Queen consort, a unique distinction in the country's history.

What is Queen Mathilde's educational background?

She holds a diploma in speech therapy and a master's degree in psychology from the Université catholique de Louvain, showcasing her dedication to human sciences.

When did Mathilde become Queen?

She became Queen of the Belgians on 21 July 2013, immediately following the abdication of King Albert II and the accession of her husband, Philippe, to the throne.

What are Queen Mathilde's main areas of focus as Queen?

As Queen, she primarily focuses on mental health, children's welfare, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment, notably as an advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.