The royal history of Belgium



🇧🇪 Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium, Current King: King Philippe of the Belgians

📍 Capital: Brussels

🗣 Languages: Dutch, French, and German (Belgium has three official languages!)

👥 Population: Around 11.7 million people

🎶 National Anthem: La Brabançonne




Cultural Facts:

🍫 Chocolate Heaven: Belgium produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate each year! Brussels Airport is the world’s largest chocolate-selling point.

🧇 Waffles Galore: There are two main types of Belgian waffles: Brussels waffles (light, rectangular, crispy) and Liège waffles (denser, sweeter, caramelized).

🍟 Fries, Not French Fries! Belgium claims to have invented French fries. They are best enjoyed with mayonnaise, and Belgium has more than 50 sauces to choose from!

🍻 Beer Paradise: There are more than 1,500 types of Belgian beer, including world-famous Trappist beers brewed by monks. Some of Belgium’s beer culture is even recognized by UNESCO!

🎭 Comics Hub: Belgium is the birthplace of famous comic book characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. Brussels even has a Comic Strip Museum and murals dedicated to comic art.



Geographical & Historical Facts:

🏰 Land of Castles: Belgium has over 3,000 castles, one of the highest densities in the world.

🚴 Cycling Craze: Cycling is hugely popular, and Belgium has produced many cycling champions. The Tour of Flanders is one of the most famous races.

🏛 Battle of Waterloo: The famous 1815 battle where Napoleon was defeated took place in Belgium.

🏙 Small But Complex: Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and Brussels (bilingual).



Fun & Quirky Facts:

⏳ No Government? No Problem! Belgium once went 541 days without a government (2010-2011), yet everything kept running!

⌛ Oldest Shopping Mall: The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels, opened in 1847, is one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world.

🕰 A Town With No Traffic Lights: In the village of Baarle-Hertog, the borders between Belgium and the Netherlands are so tangled that some houses are split between both countries!


The royal family of Belgium

On this page I give a small family tree of the Belgian royal family.


Leopold I








Born: 1790 in Coburg (Germany)
Died: 1865 in Brussels (Belgium)

He married twice

1/ 1816: Charlotte Augusta (Crown princess of England)
2/ 1832: Louise -Marie (Princess of Orléans)


Children


1/ Louis Philippe
2/ Leopold
3/ Filip, Count of Flanders
4/ Charlotte


Leopold II




Born: 1835 - Brussels
Died: 1909 - Brussels
1853: he married Archduchess Marie Henriette of Austria 


Children


1/ Louise
2/ Leopold
3/ Stéphanie
4/ Clémentine


Albert I





He was the son of Filip, Count of Flanders. Our current royal family are descendants from him.

1/ Leopold 
2/ Karel / Charles
3/ Marie-José, the last Queen of Italy


Leopold III




With Princess Astrid of Sweden

1/ Josephine-Charlotte
2/ Baudouin
3/ Albert

With Liliane Baels

1/ Alexandre
2/ Marie-Christine
3/ Esmeralda


Baudouin





He was married to Fabiola de Mora y Aragon. They had no children.




Albert II





1/ Filip / Philippe
2/ Astrid
3/ Laurent


4/ Delphine


Philippe




Is married to Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz




1/ Elisabeth
2/ Gabriel
3/ Emmanuel
4/ Eleonore




📍My favourite Must-Visit Spots in Belgium


1. Brussels – The Royal Capital

Brussels is home to the Royal Palace, Grand Place, and the famous Atomium. It’s a city with strong royal ties and plenty of history.


Antwerp



2. Antwerp – The Shopping City

Known for its fashion, diamonds, and vibrant shopping streets, Antwerp is a must-visit for style lovers.

3. Ghent – A City of Royal History

This medieval city has an incredible castle, historic canals, and a connection to Belgium’s royal past.

4. Oostende – Belgium’s Royal Coastal Escape

One of Belgium’s most famous seaside towns, Oostende has long been a favorite retreat for the royal family.


Sint-Niklaas - Trouwzaal - Stadhuis


5. Sint-Niklaas – A Hidden Gem for Royal Fans

This charming town features an amazing Town Hall and Belgium’s largest market square.

6. Bruges – A Fairytale City

With its cobblestone streets, canals, and medieval architecture, Bruges is a must-see destination.


Liege

7. Liège – An Underrated Treasure

This city has a rich history, vibrant nightlife, and incredible architecture that often gets overlooked.

8. Dinant – Saxophones & Citadels

Birthplace of Adolphe Sax (inventor of the saxophone), Dinant is famous for its stunning riverside setting and fortress.


Dinant


9. Meise – The Royal National Botanical Garden

Home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, Meise has fascinating links to Belgian royalty.

10. Temse – A Riverside Beauty

Located along the Scheldt River, Temse is a hidden pearl with charming landscapes and local culture.



Temse


📢 Final Thoughts


Belgium is more than just chocolate, beer, and waffles—it’s a country rich in history, culture, and hidden gems. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just love exploring charming cities, Belgium has something for everyone! Besides that, it's my home country! 


Have you visited Belgium before? What’s your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments! 🇧🇪✨






Source pictures: Own pictures, I've taken during the years, Wikipedia (coat of arms) and friend Bjorn Hoex from the Netherlands

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