King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde have released their first official portraits as the King and Queen of Belgium.The regal shots show a confident King posing in uniform before a majestic setting of sprawling grounds.A purple sash is draped over the new monarch's shoulder, as he looks calm and collectedly at the camera, a trace of a smile creeping into one of the photographs.
Queen Mathilde, 40, joined her husband of 13 years for the official portraits, standing tall in a beautiful full-length cobalt blue gown.
Befitting of a Queen, a tiara perfectly finished her outfit, along with the matching purple sash that was draped over her shoulder.
The new Queen Consort and mother of four was striking as she posed for a photo by herself, the rich blue tone of her dress set against the lush green backdrop. She wore her hair in an elegant low chic chignon.
Stunning shots of Belgium's new number one royal couple came a day after the newly crowned King and Queen of Belgium stepped out in front of their subjects for the first time as Belgium's monarchs.Waving to the crowds of well-wishers, Philippe and Mathilde were joined by their four children, Elisabeth, who is now first in line to the Belgian throne, Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore, to mark the historic occasion.
Before appearing on the palace balcony Philippe, 53, was officially made King of the Belgians, following his father Albert II's official abdication at the royal residence. "In Philippe and Mathilde I place my trust," said Albert as he signed his act of abdication. "Philippe you possess a great heart and intelligence to serve our country," added Albert, who embraced his son in a warm hug before thanking his wife Paola for her years of support.