King Albert II has released a press release expressing his support for the meeting between his son, King Philippe, and his daughter from an extramarital affair, Princess Delphine.
The statement from King Albert says: “I unreservedly support the press release that the King and Princess Delphine have just published and I join in the spirit of this message.
“My wife and I are very happy with what has been achieved at the initiative of the King, the first signs of better days for all and in particular for Delphine.
“Albert”
Last Friday, King Philippe met his half-sister for the first time during a three hour meeting. This week, the pair released a joint statement and a photo from their meeting.
The announcement read: “A joint message from His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness Princess Delphine: On Friday the 9th of October, we met for the first time in the Palace of Laeken. It was a warm meeting. This extensive and special meeting gave us the opportunity to get to know each other. We discussed our own lives and our shared interest. This bond will develop into a familial bond in due time. Philippe & Delphine“
Princess Delphine is the illegitimate daughter of King Albert II of Belgium, who abdicated in his son’s favour in 2013, and Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps. She was finally recognised as King Albert’s daughter after a long legal battle earlier this year. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Court of Appeals granted her the title of Princess of Belgium and style of Royal Highness.
