All About Royal Families

Last weekend, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Namur, the charming capital of Wallonia, located in the southern, French-speaking part of Belgium. Our journey led us to a true hidden gem for lovers of history and royalty. Currently, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Le TreM.a is hosting a lovely exhibition dedicated to Queen Louise d’Orléans, the very first Queen of the Belgians. This elegant and intimate exhibition runs from 21 March 2025 until 17 August 2025, offering a rare glimpse into the life of this remarkable 19th-century royal figure. Louise and Leopold Though small in size, the exhibition is beautifully curated and rich in detail. We had the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour (in French), which was both engaging and enlightening. It truly brought to life the personal story and royal journey of Queen Louise — from her French roots to her role alongside King Leopold I.  If you are in or near Namur this weekend, make sure not to miss the special activities on Satur...

Since my parents are moving from a house to an apartment, I received some lovely pieces from them for my royal collection of Belgium. These are two special editions of Belgian stamps issued in 1990. In 1990, the Koninklijke Landsbond der Belgische Postzegelkringen celebrated its centenary. In that context, these stamps were created. The roses depicted on them were taken from the work of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, 60 Roses for a Queen, which belongs to the Royal Library Albert I in Brussels . The stamps also feature Queen Louise-Marie, the first Queen of the Belgians. She was the second wife of King Leopold I, from their marriage on August 9, 1832, until her death in 1850. Louise-Marie was the second child and eldest daughter of the French King Louis-Philippe I and his wife, Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies. Although she rarely participated in public representation, she played a significant role as the political adviser to her husband. Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840) was a renowned flower...

On 21 October 1813 a very noble girl was born: Princess Josephine of Baden. This happy event took place in Manheim at the Grand Duchy of Baden. Family Her parents were Charles, Grand Duke of Baden and Stéphanie de Beauharnais.She was a member of the house of Zähringen. Love and Marriage On her B-Day in 1834 Princess Josephine of Baden married Karl Anton Joachim Zephyrinus Friedrich Meinrad, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Children  They would have 6 children and some of them and her grandchildren became famous: * Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern (22 September 1835 – 8 June 1905) he married Infanta Antónia of Portugal on 12 September 1861. They had three sons, including Ferdinand I of Romania . * Princess Stephanie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (15 July 1837 – 17 July 1859) she married King Pedro V of Portugal on 18 May 1858, without issue. * Carol I of Romania (27 April 1839 – 10 October 1914) he married Princess Elisabeth of Wied on 15 Nov...

On 2 August 1890, Emperor Wilhem II of Germany visited his 'uncle' King Leopold II of Belgium in Oostende (Ostend). Emperor Wilhelm II painting Source picture: Wikipedia   The Emperor travelled with his boat "the Hohenzollern".  own picture of Ostend The city of Ostend and King Leopold II made lot of hoopla about this important royal visit. They went from the railway station to the royal chalet.  railway station of Ostend - Own picture the royal chalet of Ostend - Own picture Later that day, a concert at the Kursaal was given in honor of the Emperor, a banquet at the Townhall also took place and the day ended with a défilé and fireworks.  the old Kursaal of Ostend (picture taken at the Royal palace of Ostend) Wellingtonrenbaan of Ostend (horses) - own picture Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany liked the sea very much. In fact as a Crown Prince he had once been naked in the sea near Mariakerke in Ostend.  Family ties Emperor Wilhelm II of...

On Sunday 21 July 2024, a splendid National Day took place in Belgium. In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, most of the events happened.The weather was great and there was an amazing atmosphere to meet the royal family of Belgium. History The National day marks the taking of the oath of King Leopold I of Belgium on his arrival in 1831 in Brussels. Events The National Day in Brussels started early with a Te Deum in the St. Michael and the St. Gudula Kathedral. King Philippe, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians and their children, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore were present. After the mass they took time to meet and greet the public. As always Bjorn Hoex was present where he made some lovely pictures of the Royals. In the afternoon a défilé took place in front of the Royal Palace in Brussels. This was viewed by, King Philippe of the Belgians, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Crown Princess El...

As a Belgian I'm very proud to introduce you Princess Eléonore of Belgium, the youngest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians. Princess Eléonore of Belgium full name: Eléonore Fabiola Victoria Anne Marie of Belgium was born 16 April 2008.  Princess Eléonore, picture: Bjorn Hoex Family She is the younger daughter and the youngest of four children of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. She is currently fourth in line to the throne of Belgium after her older siblings Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Emmanuel. She is the twelfth and youngest grandchild of King Albert II and Queen Paola. Place of Birth   The princess was born in 16 April 2008 at 4:50 at the Erasmus Hospital the teaching hospital of Université libre de Bruxelles in Anderlecht. Baptism She was baptised on 14 June 2008 in the chapel of Ciergnon Castle in the Belgian Ardennes, by Cardinal Godfried Danneels, the Archbishop of Me...

Each year, around 17 February, the Belgian Royal Family gathered together to remember the deceased relatives. In 2024 this mass took place on February 20th. in the St. Michael and St. Gudula kathedral in Brussels. This was due to the spring holiday. As always Geert Janssens and Bjorn Hoex were present to great the royals and to take amazing pictures. Following members of the Belgian Royal Family were present: - King Philippe of the Belgians; - Queen Mathilde of the Belgians; - King Albert and Queen Paola of Belgium; - Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium; - Princess Delphine of Belgium and her husband James O’Hare. However there were more royals present in the kathedral: - Princess Lea of Belgium; - Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria (born Princess of Luxembourg). After the memorial mass the Belgian Royal Family took their time to meet the public. These pictures were taken by Bjorn Hoex and Geert Janssens. 

Today, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark will abdicate after 52 years on the throne. In the afternoon Frederik will become the new King and Mary the new Queen. Foto: Hasse Nielsen In Europe this is the 6th. change of throne within 11 years.  It all started with Pope Benedict XVI. He was Pope from 19 April 2005 untill his resignation on 28 February 2013. He was succeeded by Pope Francis. Beeld: ©RVD - Gemmy Woud-Binnendijk Meanwhile in a broadcast on national media on 28 January 2013, Beatrix announced her intention to abdicate on 30 April (Queen's Day), when she would have been on the throne for exactly 33 years. Beatrix stated that it was time to "place the responsibility for the country in the hands of a new generation". The official program for the abdication and inauguration took place on 30 April 2013. Beatrix signed the instrument of abdication in the Vroedschapkamer (also known as Mozeszaal) in the Royal Palace, Amsterdam at 10:0...

Since Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her abdication, I had the idea to write a post about the family ties between the royal families of Denmark and Belgium. The current King of Belgium, is King Philippe. Is he related to Queen Margrethe of Denmark and how? Let's find it out in this blogpost.  Kongehuset © King Philippe of Belgium Denmark Let's start from Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, We continue with her father, King Frederick IX of Denmark . King Frederick IX's father was King Christian X of Denmark, while his grandfather was King Frederick VIII of Denmark . King Frederick VIII of Denmark married Louise of Sweden. Their daughter was Princess Ingeborg of Denmark . This princess married to Prince Carl of Sweden and Norway, the Duke of Västergötland. Belgium Princess Ingeborg of Denmark and Prince Carl of Sweden and Norway had several children. One of them was Princess Astrid , who married King Leopold III of Belgium. Queen Astrid wa...