His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium has released a statement this morning to mark the first anniversary of the Belgian terror attacks that took place in Brussels.
His Majesty said, “On 22 March 2016, we were at the centre of a particularly cruel action. We were victims of a double terrorist attack in our nation’s capital.
“Today, one year exactly after the facts, we remember what happened then. Our thoughts are with the many victims and their terrible suffering.
“The Queen and I have met numerous victims and their families in recent weeks and months. We were deeply touched by their strength. I wish to acknowledge and praise their courage in getting over this trauma. I admire their resilience and their will to go on with their lives.
“We are extremely grateful to all the men and women engaged in our protection and security. They work hard every day to avoid another ‘March 22’.
“Philippe #UnitedWeStand“
On the morning of 22 March 2016, radical Islamic terrorists attacked the Brussels Airport and Maelbeek metro station in the Little Rue de la Loi leaving 35 dead and over 300 injured. These coordinated terror attacks were committed by three suicide bombers who blew themselves up – two in the departure lounge of the airport while the other detonated his suicide vest an hour later at the end of rush hour in a Brussels subway. ISIS later claimed responsibility.
Earlier this week, at the Royal Palace, the King and Queen of the Belgians met the Indian air hostess, Nidhi Chaphekar, whose picture of her seriously injured in the airport after the attacks went viral. After the attacks, Nidhi was treated in Belgium for over a month, and Their Majesties paid a visit to her in hospital last year when she was still in a coma.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be present for commemoration ceremonies, organised by the Belgian government, this morning in the Belgian capital at both the Brussels Airport and the Maelbeek metro station in the Little Rue de la Loi.
