Belgian royals were received at the presidential mansion

Visiting Belgian royals King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians began a three-day official visit to Greece on May 2-4 – the first by Belgian royalty to Greece in 21 years – by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

They then made their way to the presidential mansion, where there will be an official reception ceremony that will include the playing of the national anthems of both countries and the presentation of the delegations.

Due to the poor weather, the reception ceremony will be held inside the presidential mansion and not on Irodou Attikou street.

This will be followed by a ceremony in which President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou will present King Philippe and Queen Mathilde with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer medal, while the King of the Belgians will award the Greek president with the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold II.

After the ceremony, there will be a private meeting of the royal couple with President Sakellaropoulou and Mr Pavlos Kotsonis.

Accompanying the King and Queen of the Belgians is a large delegation made up of government ministers, representatives of the Palace and several journalists. After the program at the presidential mansion is concluded, the Belgian royals will make their way to the Maximos Mansion for a meeting with Prime Minister, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his spouse Ms Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki.

At 20:00 on Monday, President Sakellaropoulou will host an official dinner in honour of the royal couple and the delegation that is accompanying them.