She is well-known for her love of bright colours - and Thursday was no exception as Queen Mathilde of Belgium met hundreds of excited children wearing a vivid pink coat.

Mathilde stood out in a sea of schoolchildren, all of whom had made paper crowns for the royal visit, as she and her husband King Philippe dropped in at the Huis Perrekes care home in Geel, Belgium.

The couple were paying a Christmas visit to the care centre, home to people living with dementia, and also took the time

Queen Mathilde of Belgium met with excited children during a visit to a local care home

The royal couple were greeted by a band and children wearing handmade paper crowns as part of the festive event.

Wrapped up in her striking jacket, Mathilde carried a small leather clutch bag under one arm. She added a pair of decadent earrings to finish off the look.

Being a mother of five, she seemed to be confident and at ease meeting the children, many of whom were wearing their crowns decorated with Belgian flags.

She wandered around, talking to the children, carrying some of the handmade crowns

After being shown around the care home, the royal couple were offered a Christmas drink at a nearby nativity stall.

The Queen's vibrant coat nipped in at the waist, and she added a pair of contrasting grey stilettos.

She wore a vibrant pink trench coat that nipped her in at the waist. She accessorised with a leather clutch bag

The royals were greeted with a band and and carol singers as a way to start the festive event

Elegant as ever, Mathilde wore her blonde hair swept back from her face.

She posed for photographs with the King, who wore a smart brown overcoat to attend the engagement on Thursday.

