The Belgian Royal Palace has released a new photograph of King Philippe as he marks his 62nd birthday today.
The image was taken by a favourite palace photographer, Bas Bogaerts, at the beginning of April at the Palace of Laeken – the King’s official residence in Brussels.
His Majesty will spend his birthday privately.
King Philippe has been on the throne since the abdication of his father, King Albert II, on 21 July 2013. His heiress apparent is his daughter, Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, 20, who is currently at university in the United Kingdom.
Philippe is the eldest of King Albert and Queen Paola’s three children. He was born in Belvédère Castle on 15 April 1960, while his uncle, King Baudouin, was on the throne. Philippe became the heir apparent when his father, Albert, ascended the throne upon the death of his older brother, King Baudouin, died without issue.
He married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz in 1999. Together, they have four children: Princess Elisabeth (b. 2001), Prince Gabriel (b. 2003), Prince Emmanuel (b. 2005) and Princess Eléonore (b. 2008).
Princess Eléonore will mark her 14th birthday on Saturday, 16 April.
