Baudouin I of Belgium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baudouin |
|
|---|---|
| King of the Belgians | |
King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola
|
|
| Reign | 17 July 1951 - 31 July 1993 (42 years, 14 days) |
| Predecessor | Leopold III |
| Successor | Albert II |
| Born | 7 September 1930 Laeken, Belgium |
| Died | 31 July 1993 (aged 62) Motril, Spain |
| House | Saxe-Coburg and Gotha |
| Father | Leopold III |
| Mother | Astrid of Sweden |
| Signature |  |
Baudouin I (born 7 September 1930 – died 31 July 1993) was the King of the Belgians. He ruled from 1951 until his death in 1993.
Baudouin was the oldest son of King Leopold III and his first wife, Princess Astrid of Sweden.
On 15 December 1960, Baudouin married Doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragón in Brussels. The King and Queen did not have any children. After his death, the crown passed to his brother, Albert II of Belgium.
During Baudouin's time as king, the country of Belgian Congo became independent.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Baudouin was born on 7 September 1930 in Laeken, Belgium. His full name was Baudouin Albert Charles Léopold Axel Marie Gustave.
His father was King Leopold III. His mother was Princess Astrid of Sweden. Sadly, his mother died when he was very young, in 1935.
Baudouin became king in 1951. He was married to Queen Fabiola in 1960. They were a very close couple.
Becoming King of Belgium
Baudouin's father, King Leopold III, faced some challenges after World War II. Because of this, Leopold III decided to step aside.
Baudouin became King of the Belgians on 17 July 1951. He was only 20 years old at the time. He ruled for 42 years.
Important Events During His Reign
Congo's Independence
One of the most important events during King Baudouin's reign was the independence of the Belgian Congo. This was a large territory in Africa that had been a Belgian colony.
On 30 June 1960, the Belgian Congo became an independent country. It was renamed the Republic of Congo. This was a big change for both Belgium and Congo.
His Role as King
King Baudouin was known for being a very dedicated and serious ruler. He worked hard for his country. He was seen as a symbol of unity for Belgium.
He often met with government leaders and important people. He also traveled to different parts of Belgium and other countries.
Later Life and Death
King Baudouin died on 31 July 1993, at the age of 62. He passed away in Motril, Spain, from heart failure.
His death was a sad moment for Belgium. Many people mourned his passing.
Since King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola had no children, his younger brother, Albert II of Belgium, became the next king.
| Preceded by Leopold III |
King of the Belgians Baudouin I 1951-1993 |
Succeeded by Albert II |
Images for kids
-
Baudouin (left) and his brother Albert, circa 1940.
-
Baudouin I and his wife, Fabiola de Mora y Aragón, during a 1964 visit to Israel.
-
King Baudouin's statue in the city of Aalst.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Balduino de Bélgica para niños
