Belgian King Tells Canadian Gov. Gen. and Astronaut Payette of His Love of Space

Belgian King Tells Canadian Gov. Gen. and Astronaut Payette of His Love of Space
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium try freshly made maple taffy during a visit to Richelieu Park Sugar Shack in Ottawa on March 12, 2018. Lars Hagberg/AFP/Getty Images
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OTTAWA—Self-described space buff King Philippe of Belgium began a weeklong visit to Canada on Monday with his wife, Queen Mathilde, saying he wanted to view the country through the eyes of an astronaut.

He was, of course, referring to his host, former space explorer-turned Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, who greeted the royal couple at Rideau Hall at the start of their whirlwind state visit.