Belgian Queen Mathilde and her youngest daughter, 15-year-old Princess Eleanor, advanced to the finals of a prestigious vocal competition staged at the Flagley Concert Hall in Brussels, as reported by Daily Mail. The moment underscored a family that remains deeply engaged with the arts and public life in Belgium.
For the evening program, Queen Mathilde selected a bright, flowing yellow gown topped with a neck-length cape and adorned with feather accents, a look that blended regal poise with a touch of whimsy. Her ensemble reflected a color palette that radiated warmth and confidence on stage, aligning with the event’s celebratory atmosphere.
Princess Eleanor mirrored the sunny theme with a pale yellow dress featuring a softer shade and a delicate floral print. This particular outfit has had a public life before: it was worn previously for a family wedding in September of the prior year, the ceremony for Charles-Henri d’Hudekhem d’Acos, the Queen’s brother. In a notable style milestone, the princess paired the dress with beige low-heeled shoes, marking the first instance she wore such footwear in public due to her young age, signaling a growing sense of public presence and readiness for formal appearances.
The Queen Mathilde Vocal Competition, staged by the Brussels Fine Arts Center, continued over three days and brought together classical performers with the La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra. The event stands as one of the region’s most respected showcases for young musicians, expanding beyond vocalists to include categories for violinists, pianists, and cellists, all vying for recognition on an esteemed stage.
This year’s competition crowned 22-year-old Asian artist Taehan Kim as the vocal winner, a champion’s title that dates back to the competition’s founding in 1988 and underscores the event’s enduring international reach and commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The victory highlighted the global mix of contestants and the broad appeal of Brussels as a center for classical music education and performance.
In related coverage, a portrait of Princess Eleanor was released earlier in the year to mark her 15th birthday, offering fans a glimpse of the princess as she steps further into public life while maintaining her youth’s quiet charm. The portrait addition came as families and supporters continue to watch her development with interest and affection, reflecting the close ties between royal duties and personal milestones.