On July 21 each year, Belgium comes alive with celebrations for its National Day. This date marks the anniversary of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg taking the oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831, just a year after the country gained independence.
The festivities began early in the day at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels. Following tradition, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde presided over the Te Deum, a ceremonial religious service to offer thanks.
Accompanying the monarchs were their four children: Crown Princess Elisabeth (22), Prince Gabriel (20), Prince Emmanuel (18), and Princess Eléonore (16). The young royals shared affectionate looks and gestures, showcasing their familial bond.
Members of the Royal Family participated in celebrations across the country. Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz attended a mass at St. Savior’s Cathedral in Bruges, while Prince Laurent was present at St. Alban’s Cathedral in Namur.
Despite the cloudy weather, the women of the Belgian Royal House added vibrancy to the day with their stylish outfits. Queen Mathilde donned a pearl-white design complemented by a matching hat. Princess Elisabeth’s striking fuchsia midi dress was a standout this season, while Princess Eléonore chose a chic floral ensemble.
July 21, 2013, is also memorable as the day King Albert II abdicated in favor of his son, King Philippe, the seventh monarch of Belgium.
The celebrations continue for Princess Elisabeth, who will reach another significant milestone on July 23 with her university graduation. She completed her studies in History and Politics at prestigious Oxford University and is set to pursue a two-year master’s program at Harvard next year.
Following the religious service, the entire Royal Family gathered in front of the Cathedral to connect with the citizens. Hundreds of people came out despite the overcast sky, eager to be near their royals on this special day.
Attendees showed their appreciation by presenting gifts to the royal family, including boxes of chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt letters. Many citizens remarked on the kindness and warmth displayed by Princess Elisabeth and her siblings.
At 4 PM, a military parade commenced at the Palace Square in front of the Royal Palace. This ceremonial event featured the army, emergency services, and a display of military aircraft. Notably, this year’s parade also honored international cooperation, youth, NATO’s 75th anniversary, and 25 years of partnership with Benin.
This year, Princess Elisabeth traded her fuchsia uniform for a military outfit, having completed her military training in September 2023, earning the rank of second lieutenant across the armed forces. When she ascends to the throne, she will become the commander-in-chief of the army.
Unlike last year, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Gabriel enjoyed the military festivities from the Royal Box with their family instead of marching in the parade.
In attendance were also Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz, Prince Laurent, and Princess Delphine with her partner, Jim O’Hare. The absence of Princess Claire, Prince Laurent’s wife, was noted but not explained.
To commemorate National Day, Princess Delphine shared a family photo featuring her father and her two children, marking the first time the monarch posed with his grandchildren.
The day transitioned to late afternoon, with activities at Warandepark providing cultural and recreational entertainment, including lively bands. As with the morning’s events, many citizens took to the streets to celebrate the holiday, taking selfies, exchanging greetings, and offering gifts to their royal family, who eagerly engaged with the crowd.
This more casual setting brought a change in attire. Princess Elisabeth changed into a chic two-piece outfit featuring pink pants and a cape, paired with beige accessories. Princess Eléonore wore a flowy orange midi dress and comfortable espadrilles, while Queen Mathilde opted for a belted design to accentuate her waist.
The royal family capped off Belgium’s National Day with an evening concert in the Cinquantenaire Park at 11 PM, featuring ten Belgian artists, including Helmut Lotti, Mustii, and DJ Lost Frequencies. The grand finale included fireworks and a drone show, promising a spectacular end to the day.
The previous evening, the Bozar Center for Fine Arts held a concert as a prelude to National Day, attended by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde alongside Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz.
Image and News Source: https://es-us.vida-estilo.yahoo.com/mejores-im%C3%A1genes-familia-real-belga-125012635.html
