The Belgian royals have posed for their first family photographs since King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were made the country's monarchs. Philippe and Mathilde, who were crowned on Sunday 21 July, were pictured with their four children on holiday on the French Island of Yeu.Dressed all in blue, King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their children Elisabeth, Gabriel, Eléonore and Emmanuel, played and cycled around during their photoshoot against the backdrop of picturesque blue sea and sky.
From left to right: Prince Emmanuel, King Philippe, Princess Elisabeth, Queen Mathilde, Princess Eléonore and Prince Gabriel
The youngsters and their parents excitedly rode around on their bicycles with young Princess Eléonore, five, safely joined her mum on a tandem bike.Mathilde looked summery in white jeans and a loose blue and white blouse while her daughters each sported blue dresses and nude sandals. The young princes looked smart in polo shits, beige shorts and navy loafers, as did Philippe in a checked shirt and beige trousers.The photos are the family's first group pictures since Philippe was crowned on Sunday although he and his wife released their first official portraits on Monday 22 July.The regal shots show a confident King Philippe posing in his uniform before a majestic setting of sprawling grounds. A purple sash was draped over the new monarch's shoulder, as he looked calm and collectedly at the camera.
From left to right: Prince Gabriel, Princess Elisabeth, Princess Eléonore and Prince Emmanuel
Queen Mathilde, 40, joined her husband of 13 years for the official portraits, standing tall in a beautiful full-length cobalt blue gown, a tiara on her head and the matching purple sash draped over her shoulder.
The stunning shots were released a day after the newly crowned couple stepped out in front of their subjects for the first time as Belgium's monarchs on Sunday.
Appearing together on the palace balcony, Philippe, Mathilde and their children waved to the crowds of well-wishers to mark the historic occasion.