Princess Elisabeth of Belgium Turns Eighteen

On Friday October 25, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, turned 18.
For the occasion was organized a ceremony held in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace in Brussels. At the ceremony were present Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, the former King Albert II and Queen Paola, Princess Elisabeth’s siblings Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eleonore, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz with their son, Prince Amedeo, Prince Laurent with and Princess Claire. Were also presents members of the Government, autorities of the country and young people who like the Princess, will turn eighteen this year.
During the ceremony King Philippe presented to Princess Elisabeth the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold, the oldest order of chivalry or knighthood in Belgium. Both the King and the Princess delivered speeches in Dutch, French and German. King Philippe said that “we are very happy to celebrate that important step in your life here with you” and he also praised the generation of the Princess because “has a keen insight into the social issues, climate and environmental issues that we face”. The King also said to Princess Elisabeth that he and Queen Mathilde “are very happy that you are our daughter. We are proud of you, how you look at life. Do not be afraid to go full out for life, to tackle the challenges with both hands”.
Princess Elisabeth in her speech stated that “Becoming eighteen is a transition to more maturity. A moment where I reflect on everything I have been given and all the opportunities that have been offered to me. And here I only feel gratitude”. The Princess praised her family for being always “there to support and encourage me. Together we form a strong team – and of course I also think of my brothers and sister, Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore. Thank you, mama, for your availability and your listening ear. Thanks to you, dad, for your trust. I know I can always count on you”. Speaking to young people of her age the Princess said: “I share your concerns for the future, especially for the climate and the solidarity we need to provide”. Princess Elisabeth closed her speech saying “The country can count on me”.
During the ceremony took place a performance held by the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp and the Belgian singer Blanche sang two songs.

Célébration à l’occasion du 18ème anniversaire de la Princesse Elisabeth, Duchesse de Brabant. La Famille Royale, les principales autorités du pays et des jeunes nés comme la Princesse en 2001 sont invités au Palais Royal à cette occasion. #MonarchieBe pic.twitter.com/loSE0ptJk0

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) October 25, 2019

Viering ter gelegenheid van de 18e verjaardag van Prinses Elisabeth, Hertogin van Brabant. De Koninklijke Familie, de autoriteiten van het land en jongeren, net zoals de Prinses in 2001 geboren, werden voor deze gelegenheid uitgenodigd in het Koninklijk Paleis#BelgianRoyalPalace pic.twitter.com/IitlZSbPVJ

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) October 25, 2019

Filed under Belgium
Tagged Albert II of Belgium, Birthday, Crown Princess Elisabeth, King Philippe of the Belgians, Order of Leopold, Prince Amedeo of Belgium, Prince Emmanuel of Belgium, Prince Gabriel of Belgium, Prince Laurent of Belgium, Princess Astrid of Belgium, Princess Claire of Belgium, Princess Eléonore of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Queen Paola of Belgium, The Duchess of Brabant.

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