Felipe and Matilde from Belgium choose Spain again for their Easter holidays

the kings of belgium have resumed their tradition and they have again chosen Spain as their destination for their Easter holidays. Marriage has returned to travel to our country to enjoy the Camino de Santiago with his four children and some friends close to the marriage. A journey that the Belgian monarchs are repeating for the fourth year, since they decided in 2017 to travel to our country for the first time on these dates. On this occasion, the princes have chosen the province of Palencia as their destination, where they will cover a new section of about 70 kilometers through Castilian lands. A tour that covers the Palencia towns of Itero de la Vega and San Nicolás del Real Camino; and that will keep the princes busy for a week.

After two years marked by a multitude of health restrictions due to the coronavirus, the Belgian monarchs have once again chosen the north of Spain when choosing a destination for their traditional Easter holiday. Accompanied by their children, Princes Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eleanor, and a group of close family friends; take advantage of these rest days to walk a new part of the Camino de Santiago† An experience they are in love with as they have been able to enjoy it up to four times since 2017, and when they have the chance, they usually repeat the trip on the red marked dates in their calendar. As it is an unofficial trip, the security of the Belgian Royal Family is the responsibility of their private escort. A security that, as reported by the Palencia newspaper, is reinforced by the Palencia Guardia Civil, which will accompany the royal entourage during their stay in Palencia. The Belgian Royal Family arrived last friday to our country and they plan to carry out several stages of the Way until its back to Belgium next Friday April 15th†

And it is worth remembering that Philip and Matilde of Belgium they raised their four children according to the precepts of Christianity, according to the traditions of the Belgian monarchy. A reason that undoubtedly weighs heavily when the monarchs choose a destination for their traditional Easter holiday. As reported by the Palencia newspaper, the Belgian royal family yesterday in the town of San Nicolás del Camino completed a stage of the Jacobin route that passes through Palencia, after which they entered the province of León. In addition to fervent defenders of Christianity, the Belgian kings are also big fans of nature and hiking† a passion that they have tried to instill in their firstborn over the years. During these days in Palencia, the Belgian royal family borders the banks of the rivers Carrión and Pisuerga, as well as the cereal crops of Tierra de Campos.

On these important dates for all Christians, the monarchs usually travel to destinations with a strong religious tradition. It is not the first pilgrim experience that the kings of Belgium and their children have in Spain. In April 2017the Belgian royal family completed several stages of the so-called French road in Navarre, while a year later They toured the landscapes of Álava and La Rioja, starting with the Navarrese municipality of Viana, less than ten kilometers from Logroño. During Easter 2019, the King and Queen again took advantage of their vacation to perform another section in Burgos and reach the town of Frómista in Palencia. This was the last time we could enjoy his presence in our country as an unofficial journey. In 2020 and 2021 His plans to continue with the Camino Frances had to be shelved due to the strict sanitation measures imposed by the coronavirus. And now, after a long wait, the royal family can continue their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a goal that will have to be postponed until the next holiday.

It may seem strange that Felipe and Matilde from Belgium feel so much affection for our country, but don’t forget that both Royal Families have had a great relationship since the end of the last century. A bond that was strengthened as a result of the coming to the throne of the Queen Fabiola of Belgium† aunt of the current monarch† Fabiola de Mora y Aragón was a Spanish aristocrat, daughter of the Marquesses de Casa Riera, who eventually became queen consort of the Belgians after her marriage to King Baudouin of Belgium in 1960. Queen Fabiola owned a villa in Motril, where the current Belgian monarchs have occasionally spent summers. In the year 2011 also the kings Felipe and Matilde they were attracted by the passion of Holy Week in our country and traveled to Albuquerque, in Badajoz; where they were seen enjoying the Good Friday procession.