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Philippe and Mathilde get a taste for Shanghai


November 24, 2004
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Belgium's Princess Mathilde received a master class in Chinese cookery on Wednesday. The crown princess, who is accompanying her husband Philippe on a tour of China, was taken through her paces by a top chef in the city of Shanghai. And the 31-year-old even tried her hand at preparing a traditional dish.

Later in the day she had the honour of naming a newly-built cargo ship, the Mineral Belgium, which has been built for one of her home country’s leading shipping firms.

The royal couple are currently visiting China to launch a new initiative partnering Shanghai with Antwerp. Under the agreement, which was signed on Tuesday night, the two cities will collaborate on education and port construction projects.

Authorities in the populous nation showed their delight with the accord by staging a gala dinner for their guests. Mathilde was her usual elegant self in a deep-blue evening gown with fur trim, while Philippe cut a dashing figure in a black tuxedo. With the signing of the new deal out of the way, the couple are now looking forward to continuing their tour by visiting the eastern provinces of Guangdong and Anhui.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
The royal visitors were guests of honour at a gala dinner to mark the twinning of Shanghai and Antwerp. The eastern Chinese city's famous Bund skyline can be seen in the backgroundPhoto: © AFPy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Mathilde puts the finishing touches to a traditional Chinese dishPhoto: © AFP

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