Philippe & Mathilde Check Out Anti-Bullying Program at School

Click here for more photos

The future King and Queen of Belgium were in the town of Turnhout Monday, to visit Sint Pietersinstituut, to learn more about the school’s anti-bullying project.

The 96 pre-schoolers and 181 elementary students were very excited to see Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde close up.

“The kids are obviously very excited,” director Paul Proost said yesterday. “They count the days. It is a very special event that they may never forget. There’s not every day a prince comes along to school.”

When the couple came to the school the following morning, the students gathered outside to see them. Some wore hats made out of red, yellow and black paper – the colors of the Belgian flag.

Inside, Philippe and Mathilde sat through a panel discussion, then went to the gymnasium where all the students were. The children sang songs and four of them led a discussion about bullying.

After two hours spent at the school, the royals received an official farewell in the school playground.

The students’ parents were not allowed on the site for security purposes, but outside the school, many of them came to get a glimpse of Philippe and Mathilde.

Source: Het Nieuwsblad