Behind the scenes of the meeting between the King and Volodymyr Zelensky

How was organized, at the last minute, the audience between Philippe and the Ukrainian president, in the presence of Alexander De Croo? And why ?

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Deputy Head of Policy Department

By Martine Dubuisson

Published on 02/17/2023 at 17:50
Reading time: 3 mins

LKing’s meetings are usually scheduled well in advance. Improvisation does not mix well with protocol. But in exceptional circumstances… So when President Zelensky is announced in Belgium, even at the last minute, the Palace adapts. And be patient while waiting for the Ukrainian president to finish his European appointments – which isn’t usual either: usually, we don’t keep a King waiting.

Until the last minute, following the leak on the arrival of the Ukrainian head of state in Belgium, the time of his arrival was uncertain. So, several scenarios were on the table (security issue too), until the night from Wednesday to Thursday preceding his arrival. European meetings, of course. A visit to the Belgian Parliament? “It didn’t work out in the end.” An interview with the Prime Minister? An audience at the Royal Palace?

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