Queen Mathilde and King Philippe have marked an exciting royal first as they embarked on a state visit to Kazakhstan.
The Belgian royal couple landed in Astana on Monday and were greeted by President Tokayev before a glamorous state dinner in the evening at the Reception House.
Queen Mathilde, 53, looked so elegant in a cape and a red jumpsuit from Elie Saab’s Autumn/Winter 2025–2026 collection, according to royal blog New My Royals.
She added sparkling new diamond earrings by Kazakh jeweller Saltanat, but did not wear a tiara as it was not a state banquet. Her husband, King Philippe, 66, wore a smart navy suit.
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All the stops were pulled out for the couple, with a menu including sturgeon, veal, and mouse, according to HLN, with music by Hans Zimmer.
The visit to Kazakhstan is making history as they're the first Belgian royal couple to pay an official visit to both the former Soviet Republic and Central Asia.
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The trip, which is taking place from 11 to 14 October, "will provide an opportunity to highlight success stories and explore new forms of cooperation in logistics and agriculture, two areas in which Belgium and Kazakhstan already enjoy close collaboration," an official government release said.
A royal welcome to Kazakhstan
Earlier in the day, the couple received an official welcome at Kazakhstan’s Akorda Presidential Palace.
Mathilde wore a coordinated red ensemble with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat as they inspected the guard of honour and the national anthem was played.
There was a sweet moment as the royals posed arm in arm with the skyline behind them and went sightseeing to the Baiterek Tower, a 97-metre-high monument, and visited the national rehabilitation centre for children.
King Philippe attempted a few words of Kazakh, saying: "I hope I pronounced it correctly."
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In a press statement marking the start of the visit, King Philippe said: "Let me tell you, Mr. President, that Queen Mathilde and I are really happy to be in Kazakhstan for this State Visit at your invitation.
"We are very curious to learn as much as possible about your beautiful country, and to bring the already very good relations at a higher level.
"We know that over the past 30 years our countries have forged unbreakable ties. They are based on what, each in our own region, makes us special: diversity and connectivity.
"When you, Mister President, visited Brussels and so cordially invited us for a State Visit to your country, there was no hesitation. I am particularly happy that the Visit takes place in the year celebrating Kazakhstan’s 35th Independence Anniversary."
All about the royal visit to Kazakhstan
Taking place at President Tokayev’s invitation, the itinerary includes engagements in Astana and Almaty, with diplomatic, economic, academic, cultural and scientific cooperation on the agenda. Healthcare, transport, technology and artificial intelligence are among the areas of focus.
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In his opening remarks, Philippe expressed his and Mathilde’s happiness at visiting Kazakhstan and emphasized their wish to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
He also recalled his three previous trips, including an economic mission he led as crown prince in 2010, giving the current visit a personal connection to his earlier royal work.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe ascended the Belgian throne in 2013 following the abdication of King Albert II.
They have four children: Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eleonore.