“I’m very proud of our little daughter,” said the Belgian Crown Prince Philippe. “She really is adorable, a real little lady.” His countrymen evidently agree with him: since her birth on October 25, Princess Elisabeth Therese Marie Helene has become Belgium’s favourite topic of conversation.
The family were photographed leaving Brussels’ Erasmus hospital, following Elisabeth’s delivery by Caesarean section almost a fortnight ago. Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets to see the latest arrival to the royal family, and congratulate the proud parents, presenting them with cards and gifts.
Later on, Prince Philippe, Princess Mathilde and Elisabeth posed for pictures at the Castle of Laeken, with both sets of grandparents on hand to see little Elisabeth back in the royal residence.
The ten-day-old princess, who one day could become the linguistically-divided country’s first queen, has united the Flemish people, situated in the north of Belgium and the Walloons, who live in the Francophone southern region, who are normally at loggerheads with each other. “It is good for the continuation of the throne,” said one well-wisher. “The monarchy is the only thing that unites this country.”
The well-wisher made his comment outside Brussels town hall, where Princess Elisabeth’s father signed the baby’s birth certificate last week. “I hope my daughter will be a great queen,” said the crown prince. “But first of all, a great woman.”
In 1991, Belgium changed their law of succession, allowing women to ascend to the throne, meaning that the baby girl is now second-in-line to succeed the current king, Albert II.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
