Who established the Belgian royal family?
The Belgian royal family was established by King Leopold I, who became the first king of the Belgians after Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands.
What is the surname of the Belgian royal family?
The Belgian royal family uses the surname “van België” in Dutch, “de Belgique” in French, and “von Belgien” in German, each meaning “of Belgium.” However, they rarely officially use a last name.
Where did the Belgian monarchy originate?
The Belgian monarchy originated from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Germany. Belgium’s first king, Leopold I, was a German prince from this noble house, invited to the throne following Belgium’s independence from the Northern Netherlands.
When was the Belgian royal family established?
The Belgian royal family was established in 1831 when Leopold I became the country’s first king after Belgium gained independence from the Northern Netherlands.
Why did Belgium establish a monarchy after gaining independence?
Belgium established a monarchy after gaining independence to establish stability as a European power and gain international recognition. A constitutional monarchy led by a neutral foreign prince helped unify the country’s diverse regions and avoid power struggles among political factions.
How has the Belgian royal family influenced the country’s political and cultural development?
The Belgian royal family has influenced Belgium’s political and cultural development by promoting unity between the French and Dutch-speaking regions and representing Belgium internationally. The current King Philippe and Queen Mathilde focus on social issues and support Belgian culture through initiatives like the Queen Mathilde Fund, which aids social projects.
Table of Contents
The Founding of the Belgian Monarchy
The Belgian monarchy was established after Belgium gained its independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830.[1] Before that, Belgium was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, a union that included present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
However, religious, cultural, and economic differences led to tensions between the northern (Dutch-speaking) and southern (French-speaking) regions. These tensions came to a head in 1830 when a revolution broke out in Brussels, sparking the Belgian Revolution.
By the end of the year, Belgium had declared its independence, and the new nation needed a unifying figure to bring together its diverse population. Belgium’s leaders decided to establish a constitutional monarchy with limited powers under a constitution rather than an absolute monarch.
Key Figures
The Belgian royal family has seen many important figures who shaped the country’s history and served a vital part in laying the foundations.
King Leopold I (1790–1865)
Born on December 16, 1790, in Germany, King Leopold I was the first king of the Belgians, taking the throne in 1831 after Belgium gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After the Belgian Revolution in 1830, Leopold was considered an ideal candidate for the throne due to his royal connections and reputation as a skilled diplomat. He accepted the offer and was sworn in as king on July 21, 1831, now Belgium’s National Day.
Leopold helped Belgium overcome early challenges, such as the Ten Days’ Campaign in 1831, when Dutch forces attempted to reclaim Belgium.[2] Leopold I ruled until his death on December 10, 1865.
Queen Louise-Marie of Orléans (1812–1850)
Queen Louise-Marie of Orléans was the first queen of the Belgians and the wife of King Leopold I. Born on April 3, 1812, she was the daughter of the French King Louis-Philippe I.
Her marriage to Leopold on August 9, 1832, strengthened the ties between Belgium and France during the early years of Belgium’s independence.
She and Leopold had four children, including the future Leopold II, who would go on to become king after his father’s death.
Tragically, Louise-Marie’s life was cut short when she died on October 11, 1850, at the age of 38.
The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha dynasty was established in 1826 in what is now Germany, arising from the division of the Saxon duchies. A strategic approach of marrying into other royal houses allowed the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to gain influence and power far beyond their original territories.[3]
Their connections to multiple monarchies throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries meant they were often at the center of important political and diplomatic events. This influence extended into both World Wars, where the house’s ties across borders became a source of strength and complexity.
Key Figures
The Belgian royal family has seen its share of impactful and sometimes controversial figures.
King Leopold II (1835–1909)
King Leopold II ruled Belgium from 1865 to 1909. Born on April 9, 1835, as the second son of Leopold I, he became king after his father’s death.
He acquired the Congo as his personal property in 1885, which he ruled independently from Belgium. Leopold II’s ambition was to make Belgium a colonial power, and through the Congo, he sought to exploit the region’s natural resources, especially rubber.
However, his methods were brutal, leading to widespread abuse and the death of millions of Congolese people.[4]
While he modernized Belgium, investing in infrastructure, public works, and urban development, his actions in the Congo left a dark stain on his reputation.
By the time of his death on December 17, 1909, his rule in the Congo had become a significant controversy. The Belgian government eventually took control of the Congo in 1908, just a year before his death, due to mounting pressure to end his exploitative regime.
King Albert I (1875–1934)
Born on April 8, 1875, Albert became king in 1909 following the death of his uncle, Leopold II.
When World War I broke out in 1914, Albert I refused to allow German troops to pass through Belgium despite the country’s neutral stance.[5] His decision led to the German invasion of Belgium, and Albert took personal command of the Belgian army, earning him the nickname “The Soldier King.”
Throughout the war, he stayed with his troops on the front lines, particularly in the Yser region, where Belgium held a critical defensive position.
After the war, King Albert I focused on rebuilding Belgium and modernizing its infrastructure. He supported industrial expansion and social reforms, including workers rights and education improvements. His rule also brought about the introduction of universal male suffrage in 1919, a step toward democratization.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he died in a mountaineering accident on February 17, 1934, only 58 years old.
The Transition to the Modern Belgian Monarchy
Originally part of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the monarchy’s identity evolved as Belgium sought to distance itself from its German roots. In 1920, the royal family officially adopted the name “House of Belgium,” a move that symbolized a more distinct national identity.[6]
This change was part of a broader trend in Europe for monarchies to redefine their roles and identities in response to rising nationalism and the pressures of modernity. Thus, as Belgium became more democratic and socially progressive, the monarchy gradually shifted from a political force to a more symbolic one.
Throughout the twentieth century, the role of the king and queen became increasingly ceremonial, focusing on representing Belgium at home and abroad rather than influencing government policy. The Belgian monarchs adapted to this new reality by engaging more with the public, supporting social causes, and becoming symbols of national unity.
By the late twentieth century, the Belgian monarchy had firmly established itself as a modern institution.
Key Figures
Twentieth-century Belgian monarchs had their share of challenging moments, especially during times of war and crisis.
King Leopold III (1901–1983)
King Leopold III became king in 1934 following the death of his father. His reign was dramatically impacted by World War II, when Belgium was invaded by Germany in 1940. Leopold chose to remain in Belgium and surrender to the Germans.
His decision to stay and later meet with Adolf Hitler in 1940 only fueled the controversy, leading to widespread criticism and distrust.[7]
After the war ended, Belgium was deeply divided over Leopold III’s role during the occupation. This division led to a constitutional crisis called the “Royal Question.”
The situation became so tense that, in 1951, Leopold III decided to abdicate in favor of his son. Despite the controversy, Leopold III lived quietly after his abdication until he died in 1983.
King Baudouin (1930–1993)
King Baudouin, born on September 7, 1930, was just 20 years old when he became king and ascended to the throne in 1951 after his father, Leopold III, abdicated.
The 1960s and 1970s included the country’s transition into a more modern, industrialized nation with significant growth as a welfare state. Baudouin’s reign also witnessed the decolonization of the Belgian Congo in 1960, a tumultuous period that impacted Belgium’s international standing.
Baudouin was known for his deep religious faith and was often viewed as a moral compass for the nation. He temporarily resigned in April 1990 to avoid signing a controversial abortion law, reflecting his strong personal beliefs.[8]
Baudouin died suddenly at age 62 on July 31, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of stability and moral leadership during a transformative period in Belgian history.
King Albert II (b. 1934)
King Albert II, born on June 6, 1934, became king following the death of his brother, King Baudouin, in 1993. His reign occurred during a time of increasing political tension and decentralization in Belgium.
Albert II’s rule included the continued evolution of Belgium into a federal state, notably growing power in the regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
He remained on the throne until his abdication on July 21, 2013, citing health reasons, and was succeeded by his son, Prince Philippe.
The Current Belgian Royal Family
The Belgian royal family today is a respected institution in Belgium, but they play a primarily symbolic and ceremonial role within the country’s constitutional monarchy. The family is involved in various aspects of Belgian society, including charitable activities, cultural events, and diplomacy.
Key Figures
King Philippe (b. 1960)
King Philippe was born on April 15, 1960, and became the king of the Belgians on July 21, 2013, following the abdication of his father, King Albert II.
Educated at the Royal Military Academy, he holds degrees in political science and international relations. He is often involved in international diplomacy, promoting Belgium’s interests abroad while also addressing internal issues.
Both before and after ascending the throne, Philippe prioritized the Belgian economy. A leader of the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, he acted as a link between the Belgian government and private corporations, both foreign and domestic before becoming king.
His other projects include enhancing sustainability throughout Belgium and bringing communities from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds together.
Queen Mathilde (b. 1973)
Queen Mathilde, born Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz on January 20, 1973, became queen of the Belgians when her husband, Philippe, ascended the throne on July 21, 2013.
She is the first Belgian-born queen consort. Queen Mathilde is deeply involved in various social and cultural initiatives, focusing on child welfare, education, and mental health issues.
She is known for her work with international organizations, including the United Nations, where she advocates for Sustainable Development Goals.[9]
Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant (b. 2001)
Princess Elisabeth, born on October 25, 2001, is the heir apparent to the Belgian throne and the first female to hold this position under Belgium’s new succession laws, which were changed in 1991 to allow for absolute primogeniture.
She attended the Royal Military Academy starting in October 2020, where she received military training. Elisabeth has also pursued international studies, attending school in Wales and studying history and politics at university.
Her readiness to take on the role of queen when the time comes marks a meaningful moment in Belgian history as the first woman in line for the throne.
The Belgian Monarchy and Its European Connections
The Belgian royal family is deeply intertwined with other European royal houses, thanks to centuries of strategic marriages and alliances. These connections have helped solidify Belgium’s place in European diplomacy.
Such connections contribute to a network of influence that extends beyond Belgium’s borders, reinforcing the monarchy’s role in maintaining Belgium’s relationships with other European countries.
This network is particularly valuable during state visits and international events, where shared royal heritage often smoothens diplomatic exchanges and creates stronger bilateral ties.
British Royal Family
The Belgian royal family shares a close relationship with the British royal family, primarily through their common ancestry with Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.[10]
In fact, King Leopold I was uncle to both and helped arrange Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. This marriage solidified the bond between the two families and further linked the Belgian and British royals through shared bloodlines.
Austria and Sweden
The Belgian royal family has strong ties to the Austrian and Swedish royal families, woven through a network of marriages that interconnect European nobility.
One of the critical connections with Austria comes from Princess Astrid of Belgium, the daughter of King Albert II. She married Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este in 1984, who also holds the title Prince of Belgium.
The connection to Sweden comes through Queen Astrid of Belgium, born Princess Astrid of Belgium in 1905, the daughter of Prince Carl, Duke of Västergötland, and granddaughter of King Gustaf V of Sweden. She married King Leopold III of Belgium in 1926, directly linking the Belgian and Swedish royal families.
Wrapping Up the Belgium Royal Family Tree
Through major wars and marriage alliances, the Belgium royal family’s track record is certainly splattered across the pages of history.
Though they aren’t in the headlines much, they are certainly still relevant in their royal duties and ensuring the Belgium royal family continues to endure.
References
- Belgium. n.d. “Belgium from 1830.” Belgium.be. https://www.belgium.be/en/about_belgium/country/history/belgium_from_1830#:~:text=After%20a%20series%20of%20incidents,separated%20from%20the%20Northern%20Netherlands.
- Battlefields.org. n.d. “Ten Crucial Days Campaign.” American Battlefield Trust.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/topics/ten-crucial-days-campaign. - Study.com. n.d. “Monarchies in Europe: Overview & Countries.” Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/monarchies-europe-overview-history-countries.html.
- BBC News. June 15, 2020. “Why European Monarchies Are Not the Same.” BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53017188.
- United States Army. n.d. “Belgium & U.S. Involvement in World War I.” Army.mil.
https://www.army.mil/article/200760/belgium_u_s_involvement_in_world_war_i#:~:text=Belgium’s%20small%20Army%20could%20not,11%2C%201918. - 1914–1918 Online International Encyclopedia of the First World War. n.d. “Post-War Societies: Belgium.” https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/post-war-societies-belgium/.
- Swarthmore College. n.d. “Belgians Prevent King Leopold III from Resuming Throne, 1950.” Global Nonviolent Action Database.
https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/belgians-prevent-king-leopold-iii-resuming-throne-1950. - Brussels Express. n.d. “Fun Fact Belgium: 36 Hours without a King.”
https://brussels-express.eu/fun-fact-belgium-36-hours-without-king/. - UN Partnerships. n.d. “Her Majesty Queen Mathilde.” United Nations Partnerships for SDGs Platform.
https://unpartnerships.un.org/her-majesty-queen-mathilde. - Hello Magazine. 2023. “Queen Elizabeth’s Connection to European Royals.” Hello Magazine. February 22, 2023. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20230222165001/queen-elizabeth-connection-european-royals/