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Belgium

Beautiful new family photos released after Princess Elisabeth of Belgium’s 18th birthday

The Belgian Royal Palace has released seven new images of the Belgian Royal Family to celebrate Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant’s 18th birthday.

The selection of images were taken by Bas Bogaerts in the Royal Palace of Brussels’ Louis XVI Salon after the official birthday celebrations had taken place in the Throne Room.

© Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts
The past, present and future monarchs of Belgium. © Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts

They feature King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and Princess Elisabeth alongside Elisabeth’s three siblings (Princes Gabriel and Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore). Elisabeth’s proud grandparents, King Albert, Queen Paola, and Countess Anna Maria d’Udekem d’Acoz are also featured, as are the Duchess of Brabant’s paternal uncle, Prince Laurent and his wife, Princess Claire and her paternal aunt, Princess Astrid. Elisabeth’s first cousin and godfather, Prince Amedeo – the son of Princess Astrid – is also present.

The Duchess of Brabant pictured with her grandparents. © Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts
Elisabeth with her siblings. © Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts

The Princess, who will one day be Belgium’s first queen regnant, turned 18 on 25 October with an official ceremony televised live on Belgian television where she was invested with the Order of Leopold by her proud father, King Philippe and addressed the Belgian people.

© Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts
© Koninklijk Paleis, Brussel/Palais Royal, Bruxelles/Königlicher Palast, Brüssel/Royal Palace, Brussels Photographer: Bas Bogaerts

Looking poised and confident, Elisabeth assured the Belgian people of her future role:

“Eighteen years … A step that I take with great optimism. I realise that I still have a lot to learn. I will also focus on that in the coming years: trying to understand the world better – and helping to improve it, by giving the best of myself.”

She closed her remarks by promising the Belgians, “The country can count on me.”

Her full speech can be read here.

The Duchess of Brabant is currently studying in Wales at UWC Atlantic College where she is expected to graduate in May 2020 from International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.