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Belgium

New images released ahead of Princess Elisabeth’s 18th birthday

The Belgian Royal Palace released new images today of Princess Elisabeth of Belgium ahead of her 18th birthday on 25 October.

They were taken this past summer at the Castle of Laeken by Michel Gronemberger.

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

There are five photos in total released with the young future monarch showing a striking resemblance to her paternal grandmother, Queen Paola in the images.

With the exception of one photograph alongside her father, King Philippe, the Duchess of Brabant – who will be Belgium’s first queen to reign in her own right – features solo in the snaps.

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

The Princess’s coming of age celebrations next week will air live on Belgian television.

The official ceremonies marking the 18th birthday of the heir start at 11 am on October 25th 2019 at the Royal Palace in Brussels. Her father, King Philippe, will give a speech while there will also be musical performances as well as a display by the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp.

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

The event will be attended by the Belgian Royal Family as well as politicians and dignitaries. Friends of the family will also be present as will 80 other young people from across Belgium who celebrate their 18th birthdays in 2019, as well.

Additionally, we will get to hear from Elisabeth herself who is expected to make a couple of remarks.

A commemorative stamp is also being released, taken by her proud papa this summer, by the Belgian post office.

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

Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant is the eldest of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s four children. Her three younger siblings are Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore.

Elisabeth currently attends school in Wales and is due to graduate next year. She will return to Wales after her birthday celebrations with her family.

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.