The Belgian Royal House

The Belgian monarchy was founded in 1831 when Leopold I was chosen as king of the newly independent Belgium.

History

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830, and the following year Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was chosen as king. The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha has ruled Belgium since then.

From Leopold I to Today

Leopold I was the uncle of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and played an important role in establishing Belgium as a neutral state. His successors have navigated the country through two world wars and linguistic conflicts.

King Philippe ascended the throne in 2013 after his father Albert II abdicated. He is the seventh Belgian monarch.

Residences

• Royal Palace of Brussels - Official functions
• Castle of Laeken - Royal family residence
• Château du Belvédère - Crown Princess's residence
• Château de Ciergnon - Holiday residence in the Ardennes

Monarchs since 1831

• Leopold I (1831-1865)
• Leopold II (1865-1909)
• Albert I (1909-1934)
• Leopold III (1934-1951)
• Baudouin (1951-1993)
• Albert II (1993-2013)
• Philippe (2013-)