On Wednesday, Queen Mathilde accepted the honorary presidency of the King Baudouin Foundation, succeeding Queen Fabiola, who had held the position since 1993. This was announced by both the Palace and the Foundation in separate press releases. The King Baudouin Foundation was created in 1976, according to King Baudouin’s wishes, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. He wanted to “contribute to the improvement of the population’s living conditions” by supporting projects and citizens trying to create a better society. “This honorary presidency continues a long tradition within the Royal Family, and its close interest in the issues affecting society”, the Palace have said.
Queen Fabiola held the honorary presidency of the Foundation until her death in December. “The honorary presidency shows the Royal Family’s excellent relationship with the Foundation. It’s a strong symbolic link, in memory of King Baudouin, who created the Foundation in 1976”, says the King Baudouin Foundation.
The Queen created the “Princess Mathilde Fund” within the Foundation, which became the Queen Mathilde Fund when King Philippe took the throne. This Fund, which awards the Queen Mathilde Award every year, concentrates on the vulnerability of children and young people.
Queen Mathilde is the Foundation’s second honorary president. The honorary presidency doesn’t imply operational responsibility, the Foundation added.
Maria Noval (Source: Belga)
