Line of succession to the Belgian throne facts for kids

The line of succession to the Belgian throne is a list of people who could become the next King or Queen of Belgium. It shows the order in which members of the royal family would take the throne if the current King or Queen were no longer able to rule.

History of the Belgian Throne

When King Baudouin passed away in 1993, there was a short time of uncertainty about who would become the next King. Even though Prince Philippe was expected to be the next ruler, King Baudouin's brother, Albert, became the new monarch instead.

In 2009, Belgium changed its law about who inherits the throne. Before this, sons had priority over daughters. Now, the oldest child of the King or Queen is always the next in line, no matter if they are a boy or a girl. This rule is known as full primogeniture. It means the first-born child follows their parent on the throne.

In 2013, King Albert decided to step down from his role because of his health. His son, Philippe, then became the King of Belgium.

Who is Next in Line?

The order of succession is very clear today. Here are the people who are currently in line to become the next King or Queen of Belgium:

1. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who is the oldest daughter of King Philippe. She is currently the first in line to the throne.
2. Prince Gabriel of Belgium, the older son of King Philippe.
3. Prince Emmanuel of Belgium, the younger son of King Philippe.
4. Princess Eléonore of Belgium, the younger daughter of King Philippe.
5. Princess Astrid of Belgium, who is the daughter of former King Albert II.
6. Prince Amedeo of Belgium, the oldest son of Princess Astrid.
7. Archduchess Anna Astrid of Austria-Este, who is the daughter of Prince Amedeo.
8. Archduke Maximilian of Austria-Este, who is the son of Prince Amedeo.
9. Princess Maria Laura of Belgium, the oldest daughter of Princess Astrid.
10. Prince Joachim of Belgium, the youngest son of Princess Astrid.
11. Princess Luisa Maria of Belgium, the second daughter of Princess Astrid.
12. Princess Laetitia Maria of Belgium, the youngest daughter of Princess Astrid.
13. Prince Laurent of Belgium, the youngest son of former King Albert II.
14. Princess Louise of Belgium, the daughter of Prince Laurent.
15. Prince Nicolas of Belgium, the older son of Prince Laurent.
16. Prince Aymeric of Belgium, the son of Prince Laurent.

Related pages

• Order of succession

Images for kids

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  The right to the throne comes from being a direct descendant of King Leopold I.

See also

In Spanish: Sucesión al trono de Bélgica para niños