Queen Mathilde using crutches after fall

Belgium's Queen Mathilde has sustained a knee injury during a fall. The joint will have to be supported by a kind of brace for several weeks. This was announced by the Royal Palace after Mathilde had made an appearance on crutches in the European institutions.

The Palace declined to give more details on the accident, explaining that this is private. The queen's agenda will not be adapted as the scheduled activities can still take place, it can be heard. It is possible that Mathilde injured her left leg during the recent skiing holiday with her family, but this could not be confirmed.

King Filip and Queen Mathilde made an official visit to the European institutions in Brussels today. They were welcomed by Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz in the Parliament buildings. Mathilde got rid of the crutches when an official photo was taken with Martin Schulz, leaning on her husband King Filip.

The royals also went to the European Commission where they were welcomed by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and had lunch. Next up was the European Council in the afternoon.

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