Their Majesties Albert II and Paola, King and Queen of the Belgians

Picture of the Royal Family
 

H. R. H. Prince Philippe
 

THE BELGIAN MONARCHY

Belgium has a hereditary constitutional monarchy. The King is the head of the state. According to the Constitution, the person of the King has immunity: his ministers are liable for him before Parliament. Not a single deed by the King can have any consequence without its being countersigned by a minister. This provision places the King above religions and ideologies, above political persuasions and debates, and above economic interest. At the same time the King is the guardian of the country's unity and independence.

On July 31, 1993 H.M. King Baudouin, who had reigned for 42 years, died of heart failure in Motril, in the south of Spain. His brother Albert took the constitutional oath on August 9, 1993 and ascended to the throne of Belgium, becoming the 6th King of the Belgians. Albert has been married to Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria since July 2, 1959.

The King and Queen have three children - Prince Philippe, born on April 15, 1960, Princess Astrid, who was born on June 5, 1962, and Prince Laurent, born on December 19, 1963. Princess Astrid is married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, and they have four children: Prince Amedeo (born on February 21, 1986), Princess Maria Laura (born on August 26, 1988), Prince Joachim (born on December 9, 1991) and Princess Luisa Maria (born on October 11, 1995). Since a recent constitutional reform, the throne is accessible to male and female members of the Royal family.