Meeting with the Belgian royal family in Laken (Brussels)

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On February 24th. 2026, I had the chance to go to Laken (near Brussels). On that day the annual Eucharistic celebration in memory of deceased members of the Belgian Royal Family took place. It is always a deeply reflective moment in the royal calendar, marked by dignity, silence, and remembrance.

These members of the Royal Family attended the service:

* King Philippe of the Belgians
* Queen Mathilde of the Belgians
* Prince Laurent of Belgium
* Princess Claire of Belgium
* Princess Léa of Belgium
* Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Nicolaus of Liechtenstein
* Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Sibylla of Luxembourg
* Prince Paul-Louis of Nassau.

Following the service, I experienced something I will never forget: a brief but heartfelt encounter with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, King Philippe of the Belgians, Princess Delphine of Belgium, and her husband Jim O'Hare.

royal families Belgium

Princess Delphine is the daughter of King Albert II of Belgium and a 
half sister of King Philippe of the Belgians

royal families Belgium


The atmosphere after the Mass was serene. Conversations were soft, movements respectful. The memory of those who shaped Belgian royal history lingered in the air.

Queen Mathilde radiated her characteristic warmth and attentive presence. There is a calm strength about her, a sincerity that makes each exchange feel personal, even within the formality of such an occasion. King Philippe, composed and thoughtful, carried the weight of remembrance with visible dignity.

royal families Belgium

royal families Belgium


Meeting Princess Delphine was equally meaningful. As an artist and as a member of the Royal Family, she represents a more contemporary chapter in Belgian royal history. Her husband, Jim O’Hare, stood beside her with quiet support, a reminder that royal life is also family life.

Each year, Belgium pauses to remember its royal past. The ceremony reminds us that monarchy is rooted not only in celebration but also in loss, resilience, and remembrance.

Royal history is not confined to archives. Sometimes, it stands quietly before you, after a solemn Mass, offering a gentle smile and a few words that you carry with you long after the day has ended. I'm still on a pink royal cloud :-) 

If you enjoy personal royal encounters, historical reflections, and meaningful moments like this, I warmly invite you to follow All About Royal Families, share this post, and join the conversation. Let us continue to explore the living history of Europe’s royal houses together.



royal families Belgium

Queen Mathilde wore the brooch of Queen Fabiola 

royal families Belgium


Princess Léa of Belgium, widow of Prince Alexander of Belgium, the half brother of King Albert II of Belgium
Location: Laeken, 1020 Brussels, Belgium

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