Belgium's Crown Princess Mathilde has been soaking up the sights and sounds of Russia's capital city this week. The 33-year-old royal was photographed during a visit to Moscow's spectacular Novodevichy Monastery on Tuesday, after she and her husband Crown Prince Philippe arrived for a five-day visit.
With its breathtaking golden domes, the complex of 15 buildings is among Russia's most iconic landmarks. Dating back to 1524 when it was built by Grand Prince Vassily III, the historic site receives thousands of visitors every year.
It is only one of the many architectural and cultural treasures on offer in the populous city, though, and Mathilde will no doubt be hoping to take in as much as possible over the next few days. The future queen is currently accompanying her husband as he leads a delegation of 250 investors and entrepreneurs from his home country who are holding talks with Russia's business and political leaders.
Meeting up with the country's top ministers will give the royal couple the chance to visit the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government. This is also where the iconic red towers of St Basil's Cathedral, one of the nation's most recognisable buildings, are found. And just a few yards away eager sightseers can marvel at the majesty of Red Square, which many say is best seen in the evening when floodlights illuminate the ground and the ruby-red stars atop the Kremlin towers glow against the night sky. Among the metropolis' other wonderous sights are Gorky Park, the Bolshoi Theatre and the Lenin Mausoleum.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
