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Wednesday July 02, 2025

King, Queen face alarming situation due to faulty plane

European royals encountered a distressing situation in Chile due to a malfunction with their plane

By TN Web Desk
June 27, 2025
King, Queen face unexpected situation due to faulty plane
King, Queen face unexpected situation due to faulty plane

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium went through a shocking experience in Chile due to a fault with their plane.

The Belgian royals were due to depart from Antofagasta Airport on Thursday, following a three-day state visit to the country at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Chile, Gabriel Boric Font.

However, they were stranded in Chile due to technical issues with their plane. Surprisingly, the Airbus A340-300 carrying Philippe, 65, and Mathilde, 52, along with other government officials and business leaders 'rattled' and fell 'silent' while being taxied to the runway, HLN reported.

Shortly after, passengers were informed that the aircraft was damaged and take-off would be delayed 'by several hours', but the flight was later cancelled with sources saying 'a tyre was destroyed.'

The plane needs a replacement wheel before it can attempt another takeoff, meaning it's unclear when the return flight will depart.

They eventually took off 24 hours later on Monday morning in the 24-year-old Airbus, which had been grounded since May 18. The mishap comes after Queen Mathilde experienced another terrifying start to a royal visit after her plane was forced to make an emergency landing in February.

The Belgian royal was on her way to Costa Rica when her plane was forced to carry out a priority landing after it suffered a crack to the windshield during the flight.

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