Queen Mathilde of Belgium & King Philippe make state visit to Canada

Queen Mathilde of Belgium & King Philippe make state visit to Canada

Queen Mathilde made a statement in a vibrant red ensemble as the Belgian royals continued their state visit to Canada.

In a nod to the nation's flag, Mathilde, 45, sported a red hat, cape and dress for her first full day of engagements - finishing the look with a gold maple leaf brooch.

After the stylish welcoming ceremony the Belgian royals tried sampled a local delicacy of maple taffy as they learnt more about the culture.

Mathilde and husband King Phillipe arrived in Ottowa yesterday to kick off the six-day tour, the first state visit by a Belgian royal in 40 years. 

They were greeted off the plane by Canadian mounted police and a small delegation of officials. 

Today the couple's busy day of engagements included a visit to Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canadian Governor General Julie Payette.

The royals posed for photos outside the grand residence before Mathilde took part in a tree planting ceremony. 

Showing no sign of jet lag after arriving on Sunday, Mathilde looked elegant in a red top hat and statement long cape coat. 

The piece reached just below Mathilde's knees, and she teamed it with a pair of leather gloves and a velvet clutch. 

Adding height to her frame, Mathilde opted for a pair of suede cut-out high heels,  completing her look with gold earrings and a splash of red lipstick. 

The queen swapped the heels for more practical boots when digging the hole for the tree planting ceremony. 

Meanwhile King Phillipe, 57, looked smart in a black trench coat and matching trousers.

Following their meeting with government representatives, the pair went to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the city's National War Memorial. 

Mathilde was then seen signing a book of condolences after Phillipe paid his respects by laying a wreath of white flowers. 

In the afternoon the royals swapped their bold business looks for comfortable outdoors wear as they stepped out for a stroll and taffy tasting.

As part of their second day on the state visit the Belgian royals were treated to local delicacies including freshly made maple taffy from the local Sugar Shack.

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe were given the opportunity to witness the sweet treat being made by the program director for the Richelieu Park Sugar Shack, Emilie Brenning.

Emilie poured the fresh maple taffy on snow as part of the preparation process before offering the royals a chance to try. 

They appeared to be in high spirits as they sampled the natural sweet.