Princess Astrid steps back from leading Belgium's economic missions
Princess Astrid will no longer lead Belgium’s foreign economic missions for health reasons, the Royal Palace announced on Thursday. Queen Mathilde will take over the role temporarily until Crown Princess Elisabeth is ready to assume the position.
Princess Astrid has headed 24 economic missions since 2012. This year, she led a mission to India in March and travelled to California in October with a delegation of more than 500 representatives.
But after 12 years representing Belgium abroad, her health no longer allows her to meet the demands of the job, the palace said. King Philippe accepted her request to step down and expressed his appreciation for her long-standing commitment to promoting Belgian trade.
Queen Mathilde will replace her on the next Belgian economic mission to Turkey, which is scheduled for May. According to the palace, this arrangement is only temporary. Crown Princess Elisabeth, who is currently studying at Harvard, will take on the role in the future.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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