Marleen Steenbrugghe Appointed Queen Mathilde's New Chief of Staff

Marleen Steenbrugghe is set to take on a pivotal role at the Royal Palace as Queen Mathilde's new chief of staff, a strategic position she assumes on September 1. Known for her mastery of dossiers and profound discretion within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Steenbrugghe's qualities are deemed essential for this significant appointment.

She succeeds Machteld Fostier, who has been a close confidante and right-hand person to Queen Mathilde for over 25 years. Fostier, who maintained her title as "the Secretary" rather than "the Secretary," will remain a key advisor to the Queen in specific areas, with Steenbrugghe now leading the cabinet.

Steenbrugghe, a woman in her early forties, was reportedly the Queen's preferred choice among several candidates presented by palace officials. Traditionally, such high-profile positions are filled by individuals from military or diplomatic backgrounds. Her extensive diplomatic career spans over fifteen years, with postings in Brussels at the permanent representation to the EU, Bangkok at the Belgian embassy, and Geneva within Belgium's permanent representation to the UN and the EU delegation.

Her background also includes a stint in politics. Steenbrugghe served as an advisor for multilateral affairs in the cabinet of Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and was once a local councilor in Ghent for the CD&V party. A polyglot with a law degree from Ghent University and a master's in international relations from KU Leuven, she possesses a unique combination of legal, diplomatic, and political expertise. As chief of staff, she will manage the Queen's agenda, meetings, audiences, visits, and travel, as well as assist in drafting speeches.

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I do not hesitate to tell King Philippe and Queen Mathilde when they need to smile more. That is my role…