The royal visit began in Prague, where President Pavel welcomed His Majesty at Prague Castle and granted him the Order of the White Lion in appreciation of his significant contribution to strengthening the friendly relations between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Czech Republic, especially by promoting and strengthening the historical awareness of the common struggle for freedom, symbolized by the contribution of the Belgian 17th Rifle Battalion to the liberation of Pilsen and Western Bohemia in May 1945. Together they then took part in a tour of Strahov Monastery.

On Tuesday, 6th May, the visit continued in Pilsen, where the two Heads of State attended a commemorative event at the Thank you, America! monument. At this place they commemorated the help of the Allied forces that liberated the city of Pilsen. In his speech, His Majesty King Philippe praised the immeasurable bravery of the American, Belgian and Czech soldiers. "These soldiers paved the way for a free Europe, a Europe of peace, democracy and human rights. On the foundations they‘ve managed to build, we were able to build solid institutions such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union."

After the commemorative part, His Majesty King Philippe and President Petr Pavel, together with the Mayor of Pilsen Roman Zarzycki, moved to the central square where they unveiled a new memorial plaque dedicated to the Belgian 17th Rifle Battalion, which was part of the American 3rd Army and helped liberate Pilsen.

During the visit, His Majesty King Philippe also met with the families of the veterans, underscoring the important relations between Pilsen and Belgium, which have a long history. HM King Philippe's visit was a reminder not only of historical events but also of the importance of alliances and unity in today's world.

His Majesty King Philippe on an official visit to Czechia