Belgian Royal Family comes together to attend annual Christmas concert

The Belgian Royal Family was out in force at the annual Christmas concert. Held at the Royal Palace of Brussels, in recent years prominent members of the family have had to miss the event. Last year was the first year in King Philippe’s reign that King Albert attended the concert. However, Queen Paola was recovering from a stroke and could not attend, and Prince Laurent was also absent.

It looked like Prince Laurent would be missing again when he said that he had “no time” to attend the event due to other private engagements. It appears he was able to rework is schedule as he was present with his wife, Princess Claire and their eldest daughter, Princess Louise.

With all the family present, they posed for a glamorous photo together at the Royal Palace of Brussels. The photo featured 12 members of the Royal Family including the past, present, and future monarchs, King Albert, King Philippe, and Princess Elisabeth respectively. Elisabeth is home in Belgium because the school she is attending, United World College of the Atlantic located in Wales, is currently on Christmas break. She went for a sentimental sartorial choice today, borrowing a pair of statement earrings from her mother, Queen Mathilde.

The concert featured performers from the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel. Inaugurated by Queen Elisabeth, this academic institution for musicians turned 80-year-old this year. Pupils and teachers from the school performed many classical Christmas music, including works from Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn.

This was the largest royal attendance the concert has seen during the reign of King Philippe. It was the second event King Albert attended following his legal defeat in the Delphine Boël paternity case. On Christmas Eve, the traditional Christmas address delivered by King Philippe will be broadcast to the nation.