Queen Paola's 80th Birthday

[maria-olivia]

The Queen this Outfit at Prince Albert II of Monaco 's Wedding

 

[Mbruno]

From the videos it's clear that Philippe's children have little if any contact with their paternal cousins. There's no interaction between them at all. I do like how Elisabeth and her siblings are pretty cool about it, and don't really seem to care (their beds are made anyway) whilst Astrid's tribe and Laurent's kids can't stop chatting and hugging to show how 'united' they are all of a sudden.

My guess is the biggest break was caused by this decision taken by court, to reduce the size of the core royal house and thus handing out less titles (and privileges):Queen Mathilde: Change in title
For title obsessed Lorenz & Astrid this must have been a blow, even though they have more than enough titles and money left. noble housewife since 2003! And Laurent is unmanageable.

King Philippe's 2015 royal decree says that all children and grandchildren of the king (not just the crown prince's children !) will be given the title of prince/princess of Belgium. So, Gabriel's, Emmanuel's and Eleonore's children will also be HRHs. Second, all children and grandchildren of King Albert II, including Astrid's and Laurent's children, retain their titles and HRH styles under the transitional provisions of the decree. Only Astrid's and Laurent's grandchildren will be affected in terms of not becoming princes/princesses of Belgium, which is pretty fair IMHO. I doubt that is the source of Laurent's and Astrid's resentment towards their brother then.

Broadly speaking, I have a suspicion that Astrid, deep inside, may resent Philippe having married Mathilde at the late age of 39. Had Philippe stayed single, Astrid would be the heiress to the throne and, more importantly, Amedeo would be second in line. I have a strong impression that Lorenz and Astrid had an expectation that Amedeo would become king, which was actually realistic until Philippe got married and Elisabeth was born (when Amedeo was already 15, I guess). But that is just silly speculation on my part.

 

[maria-olivia]

This is out ot topic.
Prince Amadeo receive an Education to be a working Prince and he works out of Belgium.

 

[Mbruno]

This is out ot topic.
Prince Amadeo receive an Education to be a working Prince and he works out of Belgium.

I agree it is off-topic and I warned it was just a speculative theory on my part. Of course, it is OK now (and actually expected) that Amedeo has a private career and even lives overseas. As the 6th in line behind four younger cousins who most likely will have future children of their own, the chances of his line succeeding to the throne are practically null.

 

[Stefanie]

Concerning the get-along-fact we have to keep in mind that
Astrid married very young in contrast to her brothers and therefore the age difference between the grandchildren is immense.

 

[An Ard Ri]

I wonder if there will be a grand gala dinner in September to mark the queens 80th Birthday?

 

[maria-olivia]

No Celebration in September .
Last family Gala dinner in Belgium was for the pre-wedding of Prince Philippe.

 

[Marchesina]

Concerning the get-along-fact we have to keep in mind that
Astrid married very young in contrast to her brothers and therefore the age difference between the grandchildren is immense.

Elisabeth is only a few years older than P.Astrid's youngest daughter Laetitia Maria and P.Laurent's eldest daughter Louise. Gabriel and Emmanuel are really close in age with Laurent's twins. So when this kind of things happen, you can really tell those kids barely know each other and their families don't see each other frequently (if at all).

This family has always had problems but (apart from the royal couple) its members forget that they are public figure and they should keep their problems for themselves. I know it's an old fashioned way of thinking, but this situation could really damage the already feeble image of the monarchy.

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

I really like this photo of Elisabeth and Paola, it's quite a sweet photo and Elisabeth looks so different - and older!

 

[leidi]

Well all in all a very normal family where some people get along and others don't , and where the strains between the generations only get bigger over time - with an occasional effort here and there. Bummer though that the whole world can watch this forced spectacle and that these are the people you have to employ in your firm

This celebration was organized by some of Paola's official patronages. If that hadn't happened I doubt any family gathering of this size would have taken place.

From the videos it's clear that Philippe's children have little if any contact with their paternal cousins. There's no interaction between them at all. I do like how Elisabeth and her siblings are pretty cool about it, and don't really seem to care (their beds are made anyway) whilst Astrid's tribe and Laurent's kids can't stop chatting and hugging to show how 'united' they are all of a sudden.

My guess is the biggest break was caused by this decision taken by court, to reduce the size of the core royal house and thus handing out less titles (and privileges):Queen Mathilde: Change in title
For title obsessed Lorenz & Astrid this must have been a blow, even though they have more than enough titles and money left. For Laurent & Claire this must ring financial alarm bells. How far can their influences stretch if this means in future they will no longer receive an allowance? Claire surely can't go back to being a part time surveyor. She tried so hard to be the perfect noble housewife since 2003! And Laurent is unmanageable.

I think Philippe & Mathilde tried their best to make it work with this lot but between a mother who was seen on crutches at a rock concert with her favorite child, but can't bother to show up at the National Day Parade, Laurent who was given a fair chance but blew it and Astrid who can't get a grip on her private emotions in public... I guess they made the right choice.

Broadly speaking, I have a suspicion that Astrid, deep inside, may resent Philippe having married Mathilde at the late age of 39. Had Philippe stayed single, Astrid would be the heiress to the throne and, more importantly, Amedeo would be second in line. I have a strong impression that Lorenz and Astrid had an expectation that Amedeo would become king, which was actually realistic until Philippe got married and Elisabeth was born (when Amedeo was already 15, I guess). But that is just silly speculation on my part.

Agree on both accounts

I also believe that they expected Philippe to marry some weak-willed woman (if he ever married at all) that they could control at will and well, Mathilde takes no s**t from anyone and she supports and defends her husband's decisions, which usually go against the interests of the rest of the house.

I think one of the reasons why Mathilde got along so well with Fabiola was that she was willing to listen and learn how to be a queen from her and QF knew Philippe was in good hands, specially knowing how selfish and greedy the rest of the family are.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Philippe and Mathilde are, however, a very humble royal couple, as I had also noticed in their recent state visit to Denmark when they deferred to Queen Margrethe II and walked behind her when entering the state dinner hall.

I thought there was a world wide rule where the longest reigning monarch takes precedence at events?

 

[Lady Nimue]

Broadly speaking, I have a suspicion that Astrid, deep inside, may resent Philippe having married Mathilde at the late age of 39. Had Philippe stayed single, Astrid would be the heiress to the throne and, more importantly, Amedeo would be second in line. I have a strong impression that Lorenz and Astrid had an expectation that Amedeo would become king, which was actually realistic until Philippe got married and Elisabeth was born (when Amedeo was already 15, I guess). But that is just silly speculation on my part.

Agree on both accounts

I also believe that they expected Philippe to marry some weak-willed woman (if he ever married at all) that they could control at will and well, Mathilde takes no s**t from anyone and she supports and defends her husband's decisions, which usually go against the interests of the rest of the house.

I think one of the reasons why Mathilde got along so well with Fabiola was that she was willing to listen and learn how to be a queen from her and QF knew Philippe was in good hands, specially knowing how selfish and greedy the rest of the family are.

What an extraordinary story. I have only just become interested in Mathilde et al. I find Mathilde very charismatic. There is something about her, cannot put my finger on it, but she is wonderful to watch.

Now to hear this story. I am even more intrigued. Can someone direct me to a thread where all this is discussed? Much obliged.

 

[Marchesina]

What an extraordinary story. I have only just become interested in Mathilde et al. I find Mathilde very charismatic. There is something about her, cannot put my finger on it, but she is wonderful to watch.

Now to hear this story. I am even more intrigued. Can someone direct me to a thread where all this is discussed? Much obliged.

that's the closest thread about it relationships of the belgian royal women
I think we all should go and discuss the issues within this family there. otherwise we will soon (quite easily) be going off topic.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Thank you, Marchesina.

 

[An Ard Ri]

No Celebration in September .
Last family Gala dinner in Belgium was for the pre-wedding of Prince Philippe.

What a pity Maria Olivia but the birthday family photos were really nice.

 

[iceflower]

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Here are two more galleries of the celebrations:



** dpp: Celebration 80th birthday Queen Paola **


** pm: Paola a fêté ses 80 ans avec deux mois et demi d’avance **

 

[Marchesina]

.

Here are two more galleries of the celebrations:



** dpp: Celebration 80th birthday Queen Paola **


** pm: Paola a fêté ses 80 ans avec deux mois et demi d’avance **

DPP has quite lovely photos. Paola made Elisabeth and Amedeo blow the candles and Joachim cut the higher part of the cake

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

[....] as I had also noticed in their recent state visit to Denmark when they deferred to Queen Margrethe II and walked behind her when entering the state dinner hall.

Heu...

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde did not walk behind Queen Margrethe but escorted her vis-à-vis, since there was no Prince Henrik: picture.

 

[duke of poliganc]

i feel sorry for the belgian royal family even here when they don't look happy and show their emotions in public people say that they are ungrateful privileged who can't even smile in public and when they smile and looks happy people says that they are acting and faking it .

and a it always thought that their is a problem between the royal family because of titles and appanage whether it's joachim, andrew, astrid and laurent with no Evidences or proof just a feeling and some tabloid .

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

i feel sorry for the belgian royal family even here when they don't look happy and show their emotions in public people say that they are ungrateful privileged who can't even smile and show their emotions in public and when they smile and looks happy people says that they are acting and faking it .

I agree. Whilst their may be some times when this is the genuine case; I do feel like the BRF get a lot of critique about it - and not just from these forums (I actually don't see much of it here), but from mainstream media and other blogs as well. We must remember that at the end of the day; royals are humans - just like us - too, the only difference is their privileged positions. And all humans make mistakes; it's in our nature so no wonder that there are times where they may appear to 'slip up'.

 

[Mbruno]

I thought there was a world wide rule where the longest reigning monarch takes precedence at events?

Albert is no longer a reigning monarch. If you watch for example the video of Queen Fabiola's funeral, you will notice that King Juan Carlos and Princess Beatrix, as former monarchs upon abdication, were seated further back.

Of course, as it was Paola's birthday, Albert and Paola should be in the front row, but I would expect the reigning king and queen to be next to them, not further back.

 

[Mbruno]

Heu...

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde did not walk behind Queen Margrethe but escorted her vis-à-vis, since there was no Prince Henrik: picture.

They actually walked behind her when they entered the banquet hall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGsv21F1fiE

 

[Marengo]

Of course, as it was Paola's birthday, Albert and Paola should be in the front row, but I would expect the reigning king and queen to be next to them, not further back.

It seemed to me the idea was to have Queen Paola surrounded by her grandchildren. Only later the king, queen, Astrid, Lorenz and Claire joined the group.

 

[Katrianna]

It was a day with a lot of trafic and a very difficult hour 6.30 pm.
On my way back home I saw a grey car with police , and it was in fact King Albert II and Queen Paola who did not come at the same time of the King.

Next to the Royal Music Chapel is an important School. It was its last day with delivery of the Students Notes also around 6.30 pm.

Prince Laurent arrived but too late. There is a second group picture where we can see him.

I wonder who is the Lady with its purple dress sittting next to the King ?

But all my best wishes to Queen Paola who was so happy to day.

The woman in the purple dress sitting next to the King is Vaira Vike-Freiburga, the former President of Latvia. She and Paola are very close friends .

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

They actually walked behind her when they entered the banquet hall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGsv21F1fiE

The limousine stops at the palace cour and the Queen awaited the couple. Then the three of them walked together through the corridor with the statues as pillars, under a bombing of flashlights into an antichambre, leading to the Banqueting Hall. Thee had to go through the door-opening. Only at thar moment the hostess, Queen Margrethe, walked in front of her guests. I see no humbliness or so, just the natural flow of guests going through a door

 

[Mbruno]

The limousine stops at the palace cour and the Queen awaited the couple. Then the three of them walked together through the corridor with the statues as pillars, under a bombing of flashlights into an antichambre, leading to the Banqueting Hall. Thee had to go through the door-opening. Only at thar moment the hostess, Queen Margrethe, walked in front of her guests. I see no humbliness or so, just the natural flow of guests going through a door

I don't want to make an issue of that, but compare it to Danish state banquet in honor of the King the Netherlands below. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Margrethe II clearly enter the hall together and he doesn't walk behind her.

My interpretation is that, since Prince Henrik was not present to escort Queen Mathilde, she would have to enter the room alone if Philippe and Margrethe entered it first. On the other hand, the door was probably too narrow for the three of them to enter together. Philippe chose to walk behind Queen Margrethe in order not to leave his wife alone, which was a nice gesture on his part, but still a humble gesture for a reigning king.

https://youtu.be/dFUjWWGGWCA?t=197

 

[iceflower]

.

Still some more photos


** pp: Paola de Belgique : 80e anniversaire en famille, le bébé d'Amedeo en vedette **

 

[Mbruno]

.

Still some more photos


** pp: Paola de Belgique : 80e anniversaire en famille, le bébé d'Amedeo en vedette **

I wonder why the link refers to the baby as "la princesse Anna Astrid" when Anna Astrid is not a princess of Belgium under the current royal decree of 2015. I suppose the Habsburgs and their followers still consider Anna Astrid a princess in Hungary , Austria and Bohemia, but, in any case, the practice in Austria-Hungary would be to address her as an archduchess, even if that rank is in practice equivalent to a princess.

On the other hand, as Tatiana Maria once remarked here, the actual text of the royal decree seems to imply that the descendants in male line of KIng Léopold I are still considered princes / princesses, though not princes/princesses of Belgium, which is a title reserved now for children and grandchildren of the sovereign and the heir to the throne only and, as a transitional provision, for the children and grandchildren of KIng Albert II in particular. Under that interpretation, Anna Astrid could still be a princess of some sort, though not a princess of Belgium.

It is all very confusing !

PS: There is a forum about titles and styles of the Belgian royal family, isn't there ? Maybe that post could be moved there.

 

[maria-olivia]

This is not concerning Queen Paola 80th Birthday but the Royal Family of Belgium.

Queen Paola had a wonderful birthday , looked so happy with her family. It was a private family Event .
The days after the weather was so bad that the Wittamer cake shouldf have been inside without these lovely pictures.
I am happy for Queen Paola and King Albert II.

 

[Marengo]

The woman in the purple dress sitting next to the King is Vaira Vike-Freiburga, the former President of Latvia. She and Paola are very close friends .

Thanks Katrianna; I never knew they were on such friendly terms.