Monarchy of Belgium facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King of the Belgians
Koning der Belgen  (Dutch) Roi  (French)/Reine des Belges König(in) der Belgier  (German)
Federal
Royal coat of arms of Belgium
Incumbent
Philippe since 21 July 2013
Details
Style	His Majesty
Heir apparent	Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant
First monarch	Leopold I
Formation	21 July 1831; 193 years ago (1831-07-21)
Residence	Royal Palace of Brussels Royal Castle of Laeken
Website	The Belgian Monarchy

The monarchy of Belgium is a special system where a king or queen is the head of state. It is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the monarch's powers are set by the country's Constitution. It is also hereditary, so the title passes down through the family.

The Belgian monarch is called the King or Queen of the Belgians. This title shows that the monarch is connected to the people, not just the land. The monarch is the country's head of state and the leader of the Belgian Armed Forces.

Since Belgium became independent in 1830, there have been seven Belgian monarchs. The current King is Philippe. He became King on 21 July 2013. This happened after his father, Albert II, decided to step down.

How the Belgian Monarchy Began

When Belgium became independent from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830, its leaders had to decide how the country would be governed. The National Congress chose a constitutional monarchy. This decision was made on 22 November 1830, with most members voting for a monarchy.

In February 1831, the Congress offered the crown to Louis, Duke of Nemours. He was the son of the French king, Louis-Philippe. However, King Louis-Philippe did not accept the offer for his son.

After this, the National Congress chose Erasme-Louis, Baron Surlet de Chokier to be the temporary leader, called the Regent, on 25 February 1831. Then, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld was chosen to be the first King of the Belgians. He took an oath to follow the Belgian Constitution. This happened in Brussels on 21 July 1831. This day is now a national holiday in Belgium.

A Monarchy Guided by the Constitution

Belgium's monarchy is both hereditary and constitutional. This means the King's job and how he works are guided by the Constitution. Only a descendant of the first King, Leopold I, can become King.

The King must follow the Constitution above all else. He acts as a neutral guide for Belgium. He helps keep the country united and independent. Belgian monarchs are sworn into office in a public, non-religious ceremony.

Early Kings: Leopold I, Leopold II, and Albert I

King Leopold I was very involved in foreign affairs. He also became a major shareholder in a large Belgian company called Société Générale de Belgique.

His son, King Leopold II, is known for setting up the Congo Free State. This was his personal territory. Later, the Belgian government took over the Congo Free State. The story of the Congo is shown at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren.

Leopold II sometimes disagreed with the government. He was sometimes criticized for not fully following the country's parliamentary system.

Leopold II had no sons who lived to inherit the throne. So, the crown passed to his nephew, Albert I of Belgium. King Albert I ruled during World War I. Most of Belgium was taken over by German forces during his reign. He was also involved in the Belgian Congo. In 1934, Albert I died while rock-climbing in Marche-les-Dames.

Equestrian statue of King Leopold II in Brussels, Belgium

Leopold III and Baudouin

Leopold III of Belgium believed the King's oath meant the King was "above the Constitution." He saw the King as a father figure for the country.

Towards the end of King Baudouin's reign, some people pointed out parts of the Belgian Constitution that seemed less democratic. For example, the King chooses ministers and must agree to changes in the Constitution.

How the Monarchy Changed Over Time

The Belgian monarchy was designed to be constitutional from the start. It was inspired by the British system. It also took ideas from the French Constitution of 1791 and the United States Declaration of Independence.

In Belgium, the monarchy, the parliament, and the independent state were all created at the same time. This meant that the exact limits of the King's powers were not always clear at first.

The Belgian monarchy is not just a symbol. The King takes part in running the country. This happens when the King's wishes match those of the ministers. The ministers are responsible for the government's policies. The Belgian historian Jean Stengers said the King is "only a piece on the chessboard, but a piece which matters."

List of Kings of the Belgians

The first monarchs of Belgium belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In 1920, King Albert I changed the family name to the House of Belgium. The symbols of Saxony were removed from the Belgian royal coat of arms.

In 2019, King Philippe officially updated the coats of arms for himself and his family. The new design includes the Saxonian shield again. This change happened after the King and Queen visited Friedenstein Palace, their family's ancestral home. The King also included the three official languages in his motto. This shows his wish to be the King of all Belgians. The national Coat of arms of Belgium remains unchanged.

Since 2017, the title "Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha" is used again for most descendants of Leopold I. However, King Philippe, his wife Queen Mathilde, his sister Princess Astrid, and his brother Prince Laurent keep the title "of Belgium."

Princess Delphine of Belgium (born 1968) is also part of the royal family. She is the legally recognized half-sister of King Philippe of Belgium. Her children are also recognized as members of the royal family. Kings of Belgium family tree

The King's Title

The Belgian monarch's full title is "King of the Belgians." This is different from "King of Belgium." The title "King of the Belgians" highlights a "popular monarchy." This means the monarch's role is linked to the people, not just the land. It suggests the monarch is a symbolic leader chosen by the people.

In Belgium, the heir to the throne does not become King or Queen immediately. They must first take a special oath. This oath is given before a joint meeting of the two houses of Parliament. This meeting must happen within ten days of the previous monarch's death or abdication.

The new Belgian monarch must swear to "observe the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people, to maintain the national independence and the integrity of the territory." This oath is said in French, Dutch, and German. These are Belgium's three official languages.

Members of the Belgian royal family often have two names. One is Dutch, and one is French. For example, the current King is 'Philippe' in French and 'Filip' in Dutch.

Princess Elisabeth is called "Princess of Belgium." The title "Prince of the Belgians" does not exist. She is also the Duchess of Brabant. This is the traditional title for the heir apparent to the Belgian throne.

During World War I, there was strong anti-German feeling. Because of this, the family name was changed in 1920. It went from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to "of Belgium" (van België, de Belgique, or von Belgien). This name is used on identity cards and official documents. The Saxonian symbols were also removed from the royal coat of arms. Other royal families, like the British, also changed their names during this time.

However, a Royal Decree in 2019 brought back the Saxonian shield to the royal coat of arms. This happened after King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited their ancestral Friedenstein Palace.

The King's Role in Government

Busts of the first five Kings of the Belgians

The Belgian monarchy helps create a sense of national unity. The King represents Belgium at public events and international meetings.

The monarch also plays a part in forming the government. After a general election, the King usually appoints an "Informateur." This person finds out which political groups might work together to form a government. Then, the King might appoint a "Formateur." This person's job is to create the new government. This person often becomes the Prime Minister.

Article 37 of the Constitution of Belgium gives the King "federal executive power." This means the King appoints and removes ministers. He also makes sure laws passed by Parliament are put into action. The King proposes new laws to Parliament and manages international relations.

The King signs and officially announces all laws passed by Parliament. However, the King must act through his ministers. His actions are not valid without a minister's signature. This means the government, not just the King, is responsible for these actions. The government is accountable to the Chamber of Representatives.

The King meets with the Prime Minister at least once a week. He also regularly meets with other government members. During these meetings, the King learns about government plans. He has the right to give advice and warnings. The King also meets with leaders of major political parties and members of Parliament. His personal political office organizes these meetings.

The King is the Commander-in-Chief of the Belgian Armed Forces. He approves appointments to high military positions. The King's military duties are supported by his Military Household. Belgians can also write to the King if they have problems with government offices.

The King is one of the three parts of the federal law-making power. The other two parts are the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate. All laws passed by Parliament must be signed and announced by the King.

Before 2014, children of the King could automatically become senators at age 18. This right was removed in 2014.

The King's Protection from Law

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Brussels is the National Basilica of Belgium.

The King or Queen of Belgium is protected from legal action while they are ruling. This is called the "Inviolability of Monarchy." It is written in Article 88 of the Belgian Constitution.

This rule means the King or Queen cannot be sued or charged with a crime for their actions as monarch. This helps them do their job without fear of political problems.

However, this protection does not cover actions outside their official duties. If a monarch commits a crime not related to their role, they can still be held responsible.

This principle helps protect the constitutional monarchy in Belgium. It also helps the monarch be a unifying figure for all Belgians.

Royal Traditions

The Belgian Court still follows some old traditions. A famous one is that the King becomes the godfather of a seventh son. The Queen becomes the godmother of a seventh daughter. The child is then named after the monarch. They also receive a gift from the palace and the city's mayor.

Another old tradition is the "Joyous Entry." This is a special welcome for a new king in the country. This tradition dates back to the Dukes of Brabant.

Public Support for the Monarchy

Historically, more people in Flanders supported the monarchy. Fewer people in Wallonia supported it. This was because the pro-monarchy Catholic Party was strong in Flanders. In Wallonia, the Socialist Party had more support. For example, in the 1950 referendum, Flanders strongly voted for King Leopold III to return. Wallonia was mostly against it.

However, in recent years, this has changed. Fewer people in Flanders are religious. The King is now seen as someone who protects the country from (Flemish) separatism.

The Royal Household

Au grand Rasoir, a Royal warrant holder with Royal crest.

The Royal palace is used for state occasions at court.

The King's Household helps the King in his duties. It was reorganized in 2006. It has seven main departments. Each department head reports to the King.

The King's Household includes:

• the Department for Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs
• the King's Cabinet
• the King's Military Household
• the King's Civil List
• the Department for Foreign Relations
• the Department of the Protocol of the Court
• the Department of Petitions

The King's Chief of Cabinet handles political and administrative matters. This person also keeps in touch with the government and other groups. The Chief helps the King stay updated on events. They also prepare meetings and speeches for the King.

The Head of the King's Military Household helps the King with defense duties. This person informs the King about security and defense. They also organize the King's visits with the Belgian Armed Forces.

The Intendant of the King's Civil List manages the money and staff of the King's Household. This person is helped by the Commandant of the Royal Palaces. The Commandant is in charge of maintaining the Palaces and Castles.

The Chief of Protocol organizes the King and Queen's public events. These include meetings, receptions, and official dinners. This person is helped by the Queen's Secretary.

The Head of the Department for Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs advises the King on these topics. The Head of the Department for Foreign Relations informs the King about international politics. This person also helps with royal visits abroad. The Head of the Department of Petitions handles letters and requests for help sent to the Royal Family.

The Belgian Federal Police provides security for the King and the royal family. They also guard the royal estates.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wave to the crowds in Brussels after Philippe's swearing in as the new Belgian monarch, 21 July 2013.

The Royal Family

Members of the Belgian royal family usually have the title Prince or Princess of Belgium. They are addressed as Royal Highness. Before World War I, they also used titles from the House of Wettin, like Prince or Princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The title Prince or Princess of Belgium is special. It used to be for all male descendants of King Leopold I. It also went to princesses who married a Prince of Belgium. In 1991, the rules changed to include female descendants of Albert II. In 2015, the rules changed again. Now, the title is mainly for the children and grandchildren of the reigning monarch. It is also for the children and grandchildren of the crown prince or princess. A spouse of a Prince or Princess of Belgium no longer automatically gets the title.

King Philippe (born 15 April 1960) is the current King of the Belgians. He married Jonkvrouwe Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz on 4 December 1999. She became Princess Mathilde of Belgium before their wedding. She also became Duchess of Brabant as the wife of the Duke of Brabant. On 21 July 2013, she became Queen Mathilde of the Belgians. They have four children:

• Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant. She will become Queen after her father. This is because of a 1991 law that made the eldest child, regardless of gender, the heir.
• Prince Gabriel of Belgium
• Prince Emmanuel of Belgium
• Princess Eléonore of Belgium

Other Members of the Royal Family

• King Albert II (born 6 June 1934). He was King from 1993 until 21 July 2013. He stepped down because of health reasons. He married Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria (born 11 September 1937) in 1959. She became Queen Paola of the Belgians in 1993. They have three children:
  • Princess Astrid, Archduchess of Austria-Este (born 5 June 1962). She married Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este in 1984. He became a Prince of Belgium in 1995. Princess Astrid and her children are ahead of her brother Laurent in the line of succession. They have five children:
    • Prince Amedeo of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este. He married Elisabetta Maria Rosboch von Wolkenstein in 2014. They have two daughters and one son.
    • Princess Maria Laura of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este. She married William Isvy in 2022.
    • Prince Joachim of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este
    • Princess Luisa Maria of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este
    • Princess Laetitia Maria of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este
  • Prince Laurent of Belgium (born 19 October 1963). He married Claire Coombs in 2003. She became Princess Claire of Belgium. They have one daughter and two sons:
    • Princess Louise of Belgium
    • Prince Nicolas of Belgium
    • Prince Aymeric of Belgium
  • Princess Delphine of Belgium (born 22 February 1968). She is the daughter of King Albert II from a relationship before his marriage. After a court case in 2020, she and her children were recognized as Prince/Princess of Belgium. She has a daughter and a son with James O'Hare:
    • Princess Joséphine of Belgium
    • Prince Oscar of Belgium

Other Descendants of Leopold III

• Princess Léa of Belgium (born 2 December 1951). She is the widow of Prince Alexandre of Belgium. He was the half-brother of Kings Baudouin and Albert II.
• Princess Marie-Christine, Mrs Gourgues (born 6 February 1951). She is the daughter of Leopold III and Lilian, Princess of Réthy. She is the half-sister of Kings Baudouin and Albert II.
• Princess Marie-Esméralda, Lady Moncada (born 30 September 1956). She is the youngest daughter of Leopold III and Lilian, Princess of Réthy. She is also the half-sister of Kings Baudouin and Albert II. Princess Marie-Esméralda is a journalist. She married Sir Salvador Moncada in 1998. They have a daughter and a son.

Family Tree of Members

Deceased Members of the Royal Family

King Albert and Queen Elisabeth in prayer for Our Lady of Laeken, an image displaying the Catholic faith of the royal house.

• Crown Prince Louis Philippe (eldest son of Leopold I, died in 1834)
• Queen Louise-Marie (second wife of Leopold I, died in 1850)
• King Leopold I (died in 1865)
• Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico (husband of Princess Charlotte, daughter of Leopold I, died in 1867)
• Prince Leopold, Duke of Brabant (eldest son of Leopold II, died in 1869)
• Prince Baudouin (eldest son of Prince Philippe, third son of Leopold I, died in 1891)
• Queen Marie Henriette (wife of Leopold II, died in 1902)
• Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders (third son of Leopold I, died in 1905)
• King Leopold II (second son of Leopold I, died in 1909)
• Empress Carlota of Mexico (eldest daughter of Leopold I, died in 1927)
• King Albert I (died in 1934)
• Queen Astrid (first wife of Leopold III, died in 1935)
• King Leopold III (eldest son of Albert I, died in 1983)
• King Baudouin I (eldest son of Leopold III, died in 1993)
• Lilian, Princess of Réthy (second wife of Leopold III, died in 2002)
• Queen Fabiola (widow of Baudouin I, died in 2014)

Royal Consorts

These are the spouses of the Kings of the Belgians:

• Princess Louise d'Orléans (wife of King Leopold I)
• Archduchess Marie Henriette of Austria (wife of King Leopold II)
• Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria (wife of King Albert I)
• Princess Astrid of Sweden (first wife of King Leopold III)
• Mary Lilian Baels (second wife of King Leopold III)
• Doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragón (wife of King Baudouin)
• Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria (wife of King Albert II)
• Jonkvrouwe Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz (wife of King Philippe)

See also

In Spanish: Monarquía de Bélgica para niños

• List of Belgian monarchs
• List of heirs to the Belgian throne
• Line of succession to the Belgian throne
• Crown Council of Belgium