On November 19, 2024, Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited Désiré Van Monckhoven Primary School in Ghent as part of “Reading Aloud Week” (Voorleesweek), an event spanning from November 16 to 24, 2024.
During her visit, Queen Mathilde read aloud a passage from the book “My sister lives in the dark” to the children, in collaboration with a member of DITO vzw’s Reading Squad.
This initiative highlights the significance and joy of reading aloud, organized annually by the non-profit “Iedereen Leest” (Everybody Reads).
The slogan for this year’s event is “Reading Aloud Enriches Your World,” emphasizing the cultural and educational benefits of this practice.
Throughout the week, Ghent’s elementary schools are hosting sessions by DITO vzw, an organization for people with disabilities.
These (young) adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses engage with children aged 5 to 12 by reading aloud at schools and other venues.
Queen Mathilde in a Floral Dries Van Noten Coat
For the occasion, Queen Mathilde impeccably wore a belted floral coat by Dries Van Noten and a matching blue suit.
Completing the ensemble were electric blue suede pumps by Giorgio Armani and an oyster-colored Voort Studio Emmanuelle clutch bag.
To add a touch of timeless elegance, she wore a silver and gold Rolex Datejust watch with diamond dial.