King Philippe of the Belgians celebrates five years on the Belgian throne today. In honour of the occasion, the Royal Palace has released four new official photographs of the King, Queen and their four children: Princess Elisabeth (16), Prince Gabriel (14), Prince Emmanuel (12) and Princess Eléonore (10).
The images were released at the earlier this week on 18 July ahead of the anniversary. One picture is of His Majesty by himself, another alongside Queen Mathilde, a third with his wife and all four children and finally, one with his heir.
The King’s solo portrait features His Majesty in his military uniform – the same that he wore for the official images released years ago.
The seventh King of the Belgians. Photo: Koninklijk Paleis / Palais Royal / Koniglicher Palast / Royal Palace
The photograph of the King and Queen was taken in front of a staircase in the Royal Castle in Laken – Laeken, while the image including all four of their children was made in the Royal Castle’s garden.
The reigning King and Queen of the Belgians after five years on the throne. Photo: Koninklijk Paleis / Palais Royal / Koniglicher Palast / Royal Palace
The King and his heir and the future Queen of the Belgians, Princess Elisabeth posed together inside the Royal Castle. Elisabeth will celebrate her 17th birthday in October and will begin studying in Wales in September.
King Philippe and Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant in a new official picture. Photo: Koninklijk Paleis / Palais Royal / Koniglicher Palast / Royal Palace
King Philippe came to the throne upon the abdication of his father, King Albert II, in July 2013. He married the former Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz (now Queen Mathilde) on 4 December 1999 in Brussels. Their first child, Princess Elisabeth was born on 25 October 2001. Prince Gabriel followed on 20 August 2003 and Prince Emmanuel on 4 October 2005. Their fourth child, Princess Eléonore was born three years later on 16 April.
