Belgium’s Queen Mathilde Swaps Heels For Trainers As She Tackles Steep Stairs At A Laos Temple
Source: Daily Mail
Queen Mathilde proved it is possible to be stylish and practical as she visited a temple in Laos today.
The Belgian royal opted for a sensible pair of putty-coloured trainers as she climbed the steep steps from the ancient Vat Phou temple, near the southern city of Pakse.
She livened-up the shoes with a knee-length multi-coloured patterned dress, which showed off her trim figure.
Long way down: Queen Mathilde of Belgium climbs down the steps from a temple in Laos
Vibrant: The 44-year-old royal opted for a multi-coloured dress for the day of engagements
Steeped in history: The Queen was given a tour of the ancient Vat Phou temple complex
Careful to keep herself protected from the sun, Mathilde, 44, also wore a straw trilby hat, complete with a brown leather band.
She finished the look with a statement pair of yellow earrings, drawing out the colours of her vibrant frock.
Mathilde was on the final day of a four-day tour of the country in her role as the honourary president of Unicef Belgium.
The royal looked fascinated as she toured the Buddhist temple complex, where the surviving structures date to the 11th and 13th centuries.
Breathtaking: The Belgian royal poses for a photo in the middle of the temple in southern Laos
Practical: Putty-coloured trainers brought a sensible touch to the brightly-coloured outfit
Charity trip: The Queen is visiting the country in her role as honourary president of Unicef
Sun savvy: A straw trilby hat kept the sun out of the royal’s face as she visited the temple
Graceful: Mathilde looked elegant even as she negotiated the uneven steps from the temple
She appeared pleased to be wearing practical shoes as she made her way back down the stairs from the temple with the help of a guide.
On her way out from the temple Mathilde stopped to help motorists involved in a road accident, although little is known about the incident.
The Queen also visited the Nongsay Primary School, in the district of Barchiang.
Young supporters: Queen Mathilde with pupils at the Nongsay Primary School in Laos today
Warm welcome: The royal placed her hands together in a traditional sign of gratitude
Gracious: The Queen receives a baseball cap during the visit to the primary school
There she spent time chatting with pupils and graciously received a school hat from a member of staff.
Earlier this week, the Queen met the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Female Affairs and the Vice President.
She has also visited villages to see how Unicef health outreach programmes are helping residents.