King Baudouin of The Belgians (1930-1993)

[Bones]

I just want to say that King Baidouin is one of my most favorite monarchs, possibly the greatest post-WWII monarch in the world in my own opinion. I adore Queen Fabiola also and love their story. The King was such principled man, such an upright man, but it seemed to me that he always set an example in a very quiet and non-threatening way. I hope someone will post some good portraits of him here someday, I would really like to see some.

RIP King Baudouin

[espejor]

Do you know how did Baudouin meet Fabiola? I have read two stories (both in "Fabiola: La Reine blanche"):

-They met in the house of Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain in Laussane. Afterward, they met more times in Luxembourg.

-They met in Lourdes because Veronica O'Brien had been looking for Fabiola in Madrid.

Regards!

[MAfan]

I remember to have read that they met in the house of Queen Victoria Eugenia, Fabiola's godmother, and that then they got engaged in Lourdes.

[ZUBIAUR]

Originally Posted by MAfan

I remember to have read that they met in the house of Queen Victoria Eugenia, Fabiola's godmother, and that then they got engaged in Lourdes.

You are right,dear mafan,in all you have said, and The more important thing to me ,as a catholic who go to Lourdes every year,is the fact that they were engaged in Lourdes

[LadyLeana]

It is the best guarded secret in Belgian history, nobody knows for sure.

According to Cardinal Seuens, he arranged the match, he was simply looking for a devout young noble woman, sent Sister Veronica O'Brien out to Spain, where she met up with the Head of a school who knew Fabiola. According to this story, Sister O'Brien had a vision of a painting of the Virgin Mary. When she met with Fabiola at her appartment in Madrid, she saw that same painting at a wall in the appartment, and she knew Fabiola would be the one.

However, photographic evidence suggests they knew each other for a few years before the engagement, this would contradict the above story in timeline.

It is also possible the match happened at Queen Ena's in Switzerland, while Fabiola was accompanying one of her granddaughters (for whom the match was originally intended).

Other story claims that they met at a party in Madrid, but Fabiola didn't recognize him, as he was not wearing his glasses. They fell in love there and managed to keep it a secret for many years before their engagement.

It is said that she accepted his marriage proposal on a holiday in Lourdes, while they were driving towards Tarbes, after having refused him a couple of times.

In reality, even though Seuens' story seems plausible enough, the only people who know if it's true are King Boudewijn and Queen Fabiola, and I don't think either is going to tell.

[maria-olivia]

The King Baudouin went alone to Lourdes when Queen Fabiola had her last miscarriage (5). He had to accept that he the King who have to give a heir to his country, would not.
To this same King to was asked to sign the law authorising the interruption of a pregnancy. He could not and something that may happen only in Belgium and due to the excellent Prime Minister we had at that time, he did not reign during 3 days , no flag on the 2 Royal Palaces, and when the vote was over , he was King again.

[ZUBIAUR]

I admire king Baudouin for this, and for his character in general.He was an extraordinary human being,and he chose the best wife for him,they were so similar

[maria-olivia]

They were so simular and not , Baudouin as young King was shy and sad but she was warmless and so joyful (thanks to Spain Zubiaur), the result was a fantastic couple.

[ZUBIAUR]

Thanks for your kind words,they shared the same catholic principles too

[Maura724]

He was a man of great principle, which makes him stand apart from so many other men in positions of power, now and throughout history.

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Ahh, my absolute FAVORITE Royal couple of all time! At every stage of their married life together you can look at photos of them and mistake them for newlyweds...even at the very end.

A beautiful example of what it means to love and be loved in return, completely.

God rest His Majesty's soul, and may God preserve HM Queen Fabiola!