The Belgian Royal Family celebrated their country’s National Day in Brussels while King Philippe also marked the anniversary of his reign.
King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanual, and Princess Eléonore began their day at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula to attend the Te Deum.
[getty src=”2162875963″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The Te Deum is a short religious service (based on the Latin Te Deum hymm) that is used to give thanks and celebrate special occasions.
[getty src=”2162875551″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]The family then returned to the Palais Royal to watch the military parade. The parade focuses on those “who devote their daily efforts to public security” in Belgium.
King Philippe wore his military uniform throughout the day. Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel changed into their military uniforms to watch the parade; both siblings have graduated from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium.
[getty src=”2162949478″ width=”482″ height=”594″ tld=”com”]Belgium celebrates Belgian National Day each year on 21 July. King Leopold I was the first King of the Belgians and was installed on 21 July 1831.
[getty src=”2162321408″ width=”594″ height=”423″ tld=”com”]It is a public holiday with celebrations across the nation. In addition to the religious service and military parade, there are often fireworks and a concert in the evening for the public to enjoy.
[getty src=”2162921222″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]On July 21st 2013, Philippe became King of the Belgians as his father, Albert II, abdicated in his favour on national day.
Several world leaders have sent their wishes to King Philippe to mark the special day.
