All About Royal Families

Princess Charlotte of Belgium – The Solitary Lady of Bouchout Castle Princess Marie Charlotte Amélie Augustine Victoire Clémentine Léopoldine of Belgium (1840 – 1927) was the only daughter of King Leopold I and Queen Louise of Orléans. She grew up charming everyone around her with her intelligence and elegance. In 1857, she married Archduke Maximilian of Austria, younger brother of Emperor Franz Joseph. This made Charlotte the sister-in-law of both Franz Joseph and his world-famous wife, Empress Elisabeth – “Sisi.” Princess Charlotte of Belgium as a child - Exhibition Louise Marie of Orléans in Namur In 1864, the couple sailed to Mexico, where they were crowned Emperor and Empress. For a brief time, life sparkled with ceremony and grandeur. But it all ended tragically: in 1867 Maximilian was executed, and Charlotte, heartbroken, suffered a deep mental collapse. She lived for a while in Italy and at Tervueren, but after a fire destroyed her residence there, she moved in 1879 to Bouchout...

Just north of Brussels, Plantentuin Meise unfolds across 92 hectares of breathtaking landscape, surrounding the elegant Bouchout Castle. The castle once served as the secluded residence of Princess Charlotte of Belgium , later Empress of Mexico, sister-in-law of Sisi and sister to King Leopold II . But Plantentuin Meise is not only a place of royal memory. It is also a living archive of botanical science. One of the garden’s remarkable achievements was the relocation of the Balat Greenhouse in the 1930s. Originally designed by royal architect Alphonse Balat , mentor to the great Victor Horta, the structure once stood near the Royal Palace in Brussels. Its careful reconstruction in Meise stands as a tribute to Belgium’s botanical heritage and architectural legacy. The Greenhouse Alphonse Balat Today, the garden is home to over 18,000 plant species, an extensive herbarium with more than 4 million specimens, and the spectacular Plant Palace, where 13 interconnected glasshouses allow visit...

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...