It was the first day back to school for many children in Belgium and the royal family was no exception. Queen Mathilde took charge of her eldest son Prince Gabriel, 11, and her daughters Princess Elisabeth, 12, and six-year-old Princess Eléonore as they set off for the school run on Monday morning. The elegant royal was seen holding Gabriel and little Eléonore's hands as they arrived at the Sint-Jan-Berchmans college in Brussels, while Elisabeth walked alongside her younger siblings.
© Photo: Getty ImagesQueen Mathilde takes Prince Gabriel, Princess Elisabeth and Princess Eléonore to school
Elisabeth, who is the first-in-line to throne and styled as the Duchess of Brabant, set a colourful trend, sporting a bright pink blazer and white trousers. The adorable Eléonore matched her big sister in a pink-and-white dress with pink cardigan and had her fair hair parted to the side with a clip. As the family made their way into the school, they were given a warm welcome by the school's teachers.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Belgian royal children are welcomed by teachers at the Sint-Jan-Berchmans college
Mathilde's husband King Philippe, meanwhile, had taken the couple's third child Prince Emmanuel to the Eureka school in Kessel-Lo, Leuven – a school specialised in teaching children with learning disabilities just 20 kilometres away from Brussels. The eight-year-old prince had previously studied at the same school as his siblings, but two years ago his parents announced that he would be moving. Philippe, 54, and Mathilde, 41, who ascended the throne in July of last year, spent the summer with their children in Belgium, as the royal couple had various engagements to attend to. The family-of-six enjoyed a day out at the Sealife National Marine Park in West Flanders, where the royal youngsters came face to face with penguins and turtles.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Philippe takes Prince Emmanuel, eight, to a specialised school outside of Brussels
One of Philippe and Mathilde's most recent official outings was to Liege where they marked the 100th year anniversary since the invasion of their country by Germany with a special commemorative service.
The Queen and her corgis welcome Belgian royal couple to palaceBritain's Prince William and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge were also in attendance, as well as French president Francois Hollande.
