--Previous Message--
: Dear Marianne
:
: I see that a bit different. Queen Maxima ahs
: her role as UN ambassador, but she is out
: and about in the Netherlands quite a lot. I
: think the Royal couples work differently.
:
: While King WA does the typical things of the
: head of state (which are not necessarily
: appoitments of great public attraction) and
: that suits his temperament, Queen Maxima is
: as a far more outgoing personality
: travveling the country up and down. Both are
: rather smart and sharp.
:
: The personlities of the King and Queen of
: the Belgians are different. It seems that
: King Philiipe needs far more the
: encourgement and presence of his Queen than
: maybe King WA needs it. You find often
: pictures of Queen Mathilde looking at her
: husband, a bit scared whether he will cope,
: encouraging. My impression of course.
:
: But with all couples, no marraige is the
: same.
:
: In their different ways they fill their
: positions rather well I believe.
:

Cabri, you expressed exactly my impression of the two Royal Couples. In a way, the Belgian Royal Couple reminds me of - what I know from history - the late King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (QEQM). It was also her, who gave The King strength to cope with his public duties as King and as you, I often have the impression, Queen Mathilde is the fountain of strength for King Philippe to master his public tasks.

Everyone in their own ways, I'd say and of course, this is only my personal view and observation from far.