The Belgian royal family turned out in force as they kicked off National Day celebrations with a cathedral service. 

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were joined by their children Princess Elisabeth, 19, Prince Gabriel, 17, Prince Emmanuel, 15, and Princess Eléonore, 13, for the Te Deum at the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral in Brussels this morning.

Heir to the throne Princess Elisabeth, who is studying at the national military academy after completing her secondary education at Wales’ UWC Atlantic College, cut an elegant figure in a vibrant red dress with balloon sleeves.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were joined by their children Princess Elisabeth, 19, Prince Gabriel, 17, Prince Emmanuel, 15, and Princess Eléonore, 13, for the Te Deum at the Sainte-Gudule Cathedral in Brussels this morning

Social distancing measures were in place inside the cathedral and the royal family wore masks to match their outfits. The royals looked solemn as they took their seats for the Te Deum, which is a short religious service to give thanks 

Heir to the throne Princess Elisabeth, who is studying at the national military academy after completing her secondary education at Wales’ UWC Atlantic College, cut an elegant figure in a vibrant red dress with puff sleeves

Mother-of-four Mathilde opted for a floaty rose pink dress with pretty floral embroidery and cape detailing. She wore the outfit with an emerald green clutch bag and elegant powder pink heels

The future queen wore her locks tied in a side ponytail and accessorised her ensemble with a red hat, scarlet clutch back and elegant nude sandals.  

Mother-of-four Mathilde opted for a floaty rose pink dress with pretty floral embroidery and cape detailing. She wore the outfit with an emerald green clutch bag and elegant powder pink heels.  

Sweeping her hair back into a tasteful updo, the queen finished her outfit with a pink hat. 

King Philippe donned military dress for the occasion, while his teenage sons looked handsome in their suits. Youngest child Princess Eléonore wore a pretty mint green dress.

The royal family looked straight ahead as they sat front row during the religious celebration, which is held to give thanks. 

Queen Mathilde, King Philippe and their children arrived at the cathedral by car. Elisabeth appeared to be smiling at something whispered in her ear by younger brother Prince Emmanuel 

Future queen Princess Elisabeth followed her parents Queen Mathilde and King Philippe into Sainte-Gudule Cathedral 

Showcasing her eye for detail, Mathilde wore a mask in the same pattern as her dress and carried a bag in the same green as the floral print. Right, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden was among the VIP guests at the service this morning 

Prince Gabriel (behind) checked on his younger sister Princess Elenore as the royal family made their way inside the cathedral

Queen Mathilde cut an elegant figure on her arrival at the service. Right, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe were flanked by their children as they took their seats in the cathedral in Brussels today

Social distancing measures were in place and the royals all wore face masks to match their outfits. 

National Day marks the anniversary of the investiture of King Leopold I, the country’s first monarch, in 1831.

The celebrations typically see huge crowds gather in the street but are likely to be pared back this year due to the pandemic.

Such duties are particularly important for Princess Elisabeth, who will ascend the throne after her father. 

A change in the law a decade ago made it possible for the eldest child, male or female, to ascend the throne in the country. She will become the country’s first Queen Regent if she takes up the role.

Elisabeth spent 18 months boarding at UWC Atlantic College in South Wales before returning home to Brussels in March ahead of the government lockdown. 

Queen Mathilde’s dress featured a cape attached to the shoulders which billowed as the couple took their seats inside 

King Philippe took off his hat and Queen Mathilde bowed her head as they arrived arm-in-arm for the service today

She spent lockdown living with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and her three siblings in Brussels. 

The princess, who received her International Baccalaureate Diploma last summer, is currently at the end of a one-year course in social and military sciences at the Royal Military Academy.

The course is said to teach in-depth about the four components of Belgian defence; Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical.

King Philippe, 60, spent three years at the esteemed institution between 1978 to 1981.  

Source: DailyMail