special campaign

Queen Mathilde steps out in elegant head-to-toe pink for special palace meeting


Mathilde opted for a soft dusty-rose ensemble that created an effortlessly polished monochromatic moment.


Queen Mathilde steps out in elegant head-to-toe pink for special palace meeting© BENOIT DOPPAGNE
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 12:18 PM EDT

Queen Mathilde brought an elegant dose of color to the Royal Palace as she welcomed a special group of young guests in Brussels.

The Belgian royal, 53, stepped out in a sophisticated head-to-toe pink look for a meeting with five children involved in Ketnet's STIP IT campaign against bullying.

Queen Mathilde opted for an elegant head-to-toe pink look as she welcomed children involved in the STIP IT anti-bullying campaign at the Royal Palace.© Koninklijk Paleis/Palais royal
Queen Mathilde opted for an elegant head-to-toe pink look as she welcomed children involved in the STIP IT anti-bullying campaign at the Royal Palace.

Mathilde opted for a soft dusty-rose ensemble that created an effortlessly polished monochromatic moment. Her look featured a high gathered neckline and long sleeves, with the fabric falling into a fluid, floor-skimming silhouette.

Rather than relying on bold prints or contrasting colors, the Queen allowed the delicate pink shade and elegant draping to take center stage. She completed the refined look with her hair styled away from her face, highlighting her understated makeup and delicate earrings.

Queen Mathilde effortlessly balances classic royal dressing with modern fashion touches.© Belga News Agency
Queen Mathilde effortlessly balances classic royal dressing with modern fashion touches.

The elegant appearance came as Mathilde welcomed five children featured in the upcoming program STIP IT: Kintsugi, alongside Ketnet presenter Lee Arrendell. The children have each experienced bullying and share their stories in the new series, which explores both its impact and the process of rebuilding confidence.

During their visit to the Royal Palace, the young guests spoke openly with Mathilde about their experiences. 

Queen Mathilde has developed a signature wardrobe filled with sophisticated dresses and monochromatic looks.© Emile Windal/Belga/Shutterstock
Queen Mathilde has developed a signature wardrobe filled with sophisticated dresses and monochromatic looks.

One of the children also placed four dots on the Queen's hand, the recognizable symbol of the STIP IT campaign and its four commitments against bullying. Reports from Belgium quoted Mathilde praising the children for their courage and expressing her belief that sharing their experiences could help other young people.

The group even brought a little movement into the palace, performing the STIP IT dance before presenting Mathilde with a meaningful gift: a broken plate they had repaired using kintsugi.

Queen Mathilde is known for her polished and elegant approach to royal style.© Andia
Queen Mathilde is known for her polished and elegant approach to royal style.

The traditional Japanese technique repairs broken pottery while emphasizing its cracks rather than disguising them. For the new Ketnet program, that idea becomes a metaphor for healing. Difficult experiences can leave marks, but those marks do not have to be hidden.

Mathilde's participation also continues her public support for efforts addressing bullying and children's well-being. The 2026 STIP IT campaign runs through October 9, while STIP IT: Kintsugi will air on Ketnet and VRT MAX from October 5 through October 9.