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European Royals

Surprise royal baby news – and the latest arrival has an historic name

The newest royal on the continent of Europe has made his debut – and he’s been given a name filled with regal history.

Belgium’s royals announced the safe arrival of a son for Princess Maria Laura and her husband, William Isvy.

The couple have called their little boy Albert – the name of the princess’ grandfather, King Albert II.

The name has many royal links. It first came to prominence in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Belgium’s royals aren’t directly descended from Victoria and Albert but they are descended from the couple’s uncle who became King Leopold I of the Belgians.

The baby’s arrival was a surprise as no formal announcement of the pregnancy had been made.

Princess Maria Laura is a niece of the current King of the Belgians, Philippe. Her mother, Princess Astrid, is Philippe’s younger sister and the only daughter of King Albert who now shares his name with a great grandson.

The new baby weighed in at 3.5 kilos and is doing well, as is his mum.

Albert Isvy was born on January 26th in Brussels. His birth was announced on January 29th, the same day that Princess Beatrice announced the birth of her second daughter, Athena Mapelli Mozzi.

Princess Maria Laura and William Isvy married on September 10 2022 in Brussels.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.