Prince Joachim of Belgium - News and Pictures, Part 1

[Moonmaiden23]

That's a very impressive accomplishment. Congrats to him and his family.?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Prince Joachim graduated from Harvard Business School in Boston today.
He had started a master's degree in business administration.

Prince Joachim informs through his spokesman:
"I am delighted to be back at Harvard, where I spent two extraordinary years that will mark my life."

The Prince traveled to the US with his parents Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz to receive his diploma.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1530996194368970753

https://twitter.com/x/status/1531003420106231808

Thanks! If I am understanding correctly, the prince completed the program a year ago but the graduation ceremony was postponed until now owing to the pandemic.

In the past, I don't think Princess Astrid's children have ordinarily marked their graduations with formal press releases of this kind, have they? In May of 2021 Prince Joachim also accorded an interview to Wim Dehandschutter, in which he apparently discussed his business studies at Harvard and being raised to work to earn his own living.

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210528_91906253

Mr. Dehandschutter commented later on the rarity of Prince Joachim granting an interview and he speculated that the prince was attempting to rehabilitate his image after his breach of quarantine laws in Spain made worldwide news in 2020. I wonder if the same applies to this announcement.

 

[Somebody]

Joachim graduated a year ago but wasn't able to go to Harvard for the ceremony (which was held online), so I guess they included last year's graduates in this year's graduation ceremony.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

Apparently, there has been speculation in the Spanish press that Prince Joachim has separated from Victoria Ortiz Martínez-Sagrera given that she did not accompany him to the weddings of his cousins Princesses Anunciata and Astrid of Liechtenstein last year. Of course, if they have separated, it is surely unrelated to her family background.

Where do people get these ideas that Lorenz and Astrid want dynastic matches for their children? I’m sure they want their children to marry someone well -educated, presentable and agreeable with their family.

 

[Marengo]

I imagine from the fact that Laurent and his father refused to attend the wedding of AD Karl and Francesca Thyssen.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

I imagine from the fact that Laurent and his father refused to attend the wedding of AD Karl and Francesca Thyssen.

Considering the fact that one of Lorenz’s brothers married a commoner, I’m not sure what to think of that, but then again their father died many years before Gerhard got married so I don’t know. Aside from the “dynastic” issue, Francesca’s past and night clubbing ways coupled with her father’s divorces, nouveau riche behavior and embarrassing get up at the wedding was another factor.

 

[Blog Real]

Last year this site published an article about rumors of a possible marriage between Prince Joachim of Belgium and Victoria Ortiz.

This site also told how Prince Joachim and Victoria met:

Victoria Ortiz met Joachim during her internship at the European Parliament in Brussels. Victoria was then in a relationship with another man, but fell in love with Joachim.

https://pnws.be/opnieuw-speculaties-over-nakend-huwelijk-prins-joachim-en-victoria-ortiz/


Photos:
https://pnws.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Capture-165.png

https://pnws.be/wp-content/uploads/...33811240397_6065569786699607260_n-467x700.jpg

 

[Biri]

But are they still together?

 

[Blog Real]

But are they still together?

There were rumors last year that Prince Joachim and Victoria Ortiz had split. But it is not known whether it is true.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

Last year this site published an article about rumors of a possible marriage between Prince Joachim of Belgium and Victoria Ortiz.

This site also told how Prince Joachim and Victoria met:

Victoria Ortiz met Joachim during her internship at the European Parliament in Brussels. Victoria was then in a relationship with another man, but fell in love with Joachim.

https://pnws.be/opnieuw-speculaties-over-nakend-huwelijk-prins-joachim-en-victoria-ortiz/


Photos:
https://pnws.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Capture-165.png

https://pnws.be/wp-content/uploads/...33811240397_6065569786699607260_n-467x700.jpg

The part about her being with someone else but falling in love with Joachim is a little messy to me. But after incident in covid -19 with her family and him traveling to Spain, I wonder if they are together.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

As long as Ms. Ortiz wasn't married to someone else when she fell in love with Joachim I don't see a problem.

Yes, it's sad for the person who gets dumped but that is what dating is...determining whether or not you want to commit to the person you are spending time with.

 

[coninja]

Did you get an update on this ?

It was not reported because Joachim is a very private person, and does not court the press.

They broke up. They have not been seen together for years, but Victoria is out and about with a new man. She has a public Instagram page where she posted a lot of pics of her with a mysterious man that she is very touchy feely with or she is gazing at him with loved up, seductive looks. The pics scream "let me show off my new boyfriend to make my ex jealous" which makes sense because Victoria is a bit vengeful and is probably upset Joachim never proposed but had her running around the world with him while he pursued his education and career prospects.

There were rumors last year that Prince Joachim and Victoria Ortiz had split. But it is not known whether it is true.

They split. She has a new man that she posts on her public Instagram.

But are they still together?

Do you know why they split ? This reminds me of the Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens split- they were just too busy for each other and the relationship was almost going for 10 years but they had spent lots of time away from each other working on films. Austin going away for Elvis and Vanessa going away for the Princess Switch 2 was the straw that broke the camel's back. It's sad because they both dont seem happy with each other's respective new partners as they were with each other.


So this royal couple might have the same problem, and the relationship just couldn't handle more separation and distance. They seem to be in different places in life as well- Victoria is a struggling fashion designer and Joachim is an experienced business professional with an MBA from Harvard. When they were younger their career paths weren't so clear so this could also have caused the split now that it is clear. Victoria is a huge partier and is very social, which is something Joachim runs away from, so this pairing could not possibly last.

Joachim seems career driven so I don't see him jumping into another relationship right away, but he and his siblings love living in USA so he might find his next girlfriend somewhere there.

The part about her being with someone else but falling in love with Joachim is a little messy to me. But after incident in covid -19 with her family and him traveling to Spain, I wonder if they are together.

They split. She has pics on her public Instagram of her new boyfriend or at least someone she is hooking up with. They are traveling, touchy feely, and looking at each other lovingly. Meanwhile Joachim is nowhere in sight.

I found it bizarre they got together- Victoria is a Spanish party girl and Joachim is a French/Belgian business man. Strange pair that does not work easily due to the clashing lifestyles and life goals.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Interesting. Is there anything you have heard concerning past or current partners of his siblings?

Please feel free to reply to my inquiry in P. Maria Laura, P. Joachim, P. Luisa Maria and P. Laetitia Maria FAQ.

 

[coninja]

Interesting. Is there anything you have heard concerning past or current partners of his siblings?

Please feel free to reply to my inquiry in P. Maria Laura, P. Joachim, P. Luisa Maria and P. Laetitia Maria FAQ.

Joachim's siblings keep a very low profile, like himself.

I have not heard anything about Amedeo, Laura, Luisa or Laetitia. Laura was married not too long ago to a banker, so maybe her sisters will follow this trend. Every male in this family is in banking or finance.

Not much is known publicly about the relationships of his siblings. Luisa is interning at a law firm, since she wants to become a lawyer. Laura was last working at a non-profit as an analyst. Amedeo has not made any news since his wedding almost a decade ago, but he did get a managing partner position at the bank his father Lorenzo works at in Switzerland.

Does anyone know if Joachim found a job? Why is he having difficulty? He should not have any problems with getting employment since he graduated from Harvard and got an MBA. People always talk about graduates from top schools ending up unemployed or working at McDonald's, but Joachim is well connected, a military veteran, and has a lot of experience in his field. Joachim repeatedly said to the press that he and his siblings were raised to work and earn money for a living, despite being a blood royals. There is no way he did so much education, work, and training just to not work.

Maybe the difficulty in finding employment comes from his COVID scandal. Joachim was fined an obscene amount, the amount that people with hard felony convictions sometimes have to pay for their crimes in restitutions and court fees. It is possible that companies are turning away from him because they don't want to be connected to the scandal, even though it was years ago. When the scandal broke out, the Spanish media speculated that his then girlfriend Victoria would end up distancing himself from Joachim to keep her connections and her name in the clear.

If this scandal is really hurting Joachim's job prospects, he could always start his own company or go back into the Belgian Navy. He could also return to USA for work. His distant cousin Prince Harry was essentially ostracized from his kingdom, and found his place in USA working for a non-profit, running his own charity, starring in his own reality show, publishing books, and getting deals with large platforms for content. Joachim's situation was not as severe as Harry's, and he is more accomplished than the ginger prince, so Joachim would probably have an easier time finding his way in USA.

 

[Linda_26]

Last week, Prince Joachim was a guest at the wedding of Prince Ferdinand zu Schwarzenberg and Marie Friling, in Austria

https://twitter.com/x/status/1682793221770866688

 

[SirGyamfi1]

Last week, Prince Joachim was a guest at the wedding of Prince Ferdinand zu Schwarzenberg and Marie Friling, in Austria

https://twitter.com/x/status/1682793221770866688

He looks so much like his father facially and with that hairstyle.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Does anyone know if Joachim found a job? Why is he having difficulty? He should not have any problems with getting employment since he graduated from Harvard and got an MBA. People always talk about graduates from top schools ending up unemployed or working at McDonald's, but Joachim is well connected, a military veteran, and has a lot of experience in his field. Joachim repeatedly said to the press that he and his siblings were raised to work and earn money for a living, despite being a blood royals. There is no way he did so much education, work, and training just to not work.

Maybe the difficulty in finding employment comes from his COVID scandal. Joachim was fined an obscene amount, the amount that people with hard felony convictions sometimes have to pay for their crimes in restitutions and court fees. It is possible that companies are turning away from him because they don't want to be connected to the scandal, even though it was years ago. When the scandal broke out, the Spanish media speculated that his then girlfriend Victoria would end up distancing himself from Joachim to keep her connections and her name in the clear.

If this scandal is really hurting Joachim's job prospects, he could always start his own company or go back into the Belgian Navy. He could also return to USA for work. His distant cousin Prince Harry was essentially ostracized from his kingdom, and found his place in USA working for a non-profit, running his own charity, starring in his own reality show, publishing books, and getting deals with large platforms for content. Joachim's situation was not as severe as Harry's, and he is more accomplished than the ginger prince, so Joachim would probably have an easier time finding his way in USA.

I wonder if he does have employment but is keeping it quiet out of consideration for his employer's or clients' reputation, for the reasons you cited.

It is indeed interesting how anonymously Princess Astrid's children live in comparison to most of their peers who hold a corresponding position in other European royal houses: the Marichalars, the Behns, the Monpezats, Eloise van Oranje and her siblings, the Yorks and Phillipses.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

I wonder if he does have employment but is keeping it quiet out of consideration for his employer's or clients' reputation, for the reasons you cited.

It is indeed interesting how anonymously Princess Astrid's children live in comparison to most of their peers who hold a corresponding position in other European royal houses: the Marichalars, the Behns, the Monpezats, Eloise van Oranje and her siblings, the Yorks and Phillipses.

For one thing, they aren’t as scandalous as some of the families you mentioned. Their social media accounts if they have any are probably private, but I don’t think they have any. Eloise van Oranje uses social media a lot, with some being fans others not so much. Overall, I’d say it’s because the Belgian media don’t talk about them much and the fact that most of them don’t live in Belgium. The Marichalars financial scandals, divorce and the sometimes embarrassing behaviour of some of their children with all the bad attention they get. The Behns from Ari’s questionable books, plus their mother’s questionable business activities as well as the things she and her partner put out on social media. The Phillipses for Peter’s china milk advert but most have forgotten about that and the time they sold photos to Hello Magazine to pay for the wedding.

 

[tommy100]

Honestly I don't think Joachim would have a problem getting a job in banking / finance given the many family connections he has.

Whilst his breaking of lockdown laws was bad I don't see a bank or financial institute that really wants him to work for them being put off by that, especially all this time later. I think a lot of businesses / people of influence don't care all that much now, I mean the UK PM was able to carry on despite being fined for breaking lockdown rules. A foreign company wouldn't be that bothered by Joachim's actions IMO

 

[Linda_26]

He looks so much like his father facially and with that hairstyle.

He looks a lot like Lorenz indeed, but with the Coburg's blond hair and blue eyes. A bit like his elder sister Laura, but the five sibilings always look quite different from one another to me, especially the three girls, who each resemble a different branch of the family

 

[JR76]

It is indeed interesting how anonymously Princess Astrid's children live in comparison to most of their peers who hold a corresponding position in other European royal houses: the Marichalars, the Behns, the Monpezats, Eloise van Oranje and her siblings, the Yorks and Phillipses.

I'd say it's by choice. The Yorks aside all the families you mention has at least one member that's either no stranger to talking to the press or have chosen a profession that requires living in the public eye. Most often both.
The Estes have chosen to live largely private lives as has the York girls. The attention the latter get are mostly the result of the unfortunate choices of their two parents.

 

[Linda_26]

I wonder if he does have employment but is keeping it quiet out of consideration for his employer's or clients' reputation, for the reasons you cited.

It is indeed interesting how anonymously Princess Astrid's children live in comparison to most of their peers who hold a corresponding position in other European royal houses: the Marichalars, the Behns, the Monpezats, Eloise van Oranje and her siblings, the Yorks and Phillipses.

I personally think he does have a job in the banking world like his father and elder brother, but he simply decided to keep it private, unlike all his sibilings, whose current jobs/studies are publicly known. I don't think somebody as well-connected as Joachim (and who did excellent studies in prestigious universities) would have much trouble to find employment, regardless of his breach of the quarantine law in Spain a few years ago.
It's true that Astrid's children live very anonymously if compared to other nephews/nieces of European sovereigns. I think it's mostly due to the fact that they decided to live abroad, and they always lead a quite private lifestyle. They all have private social media accounts and never seemed interested to become influencers/models, to participate in reality shows or anything like that. And I think also their cousins, Prince Laurent's children, are living rather privately if compared to others in the same position. Only Prince Aymeric has a public Instagram account, but he doesn't post often, he shared pictures in the past where he was with his close friends, Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, but nothing really significant

 

[SirGyamfi1]

He looks a lot like Lorenz indeed, but with the Coburg's blond hair and blue eyes. A bit like his elder sister Laura, but the five sibilings always look quite different from one another to me, especially the three girls, who each resemble a different branch of the family

Maria Laura has some features of Archduke Lorenz’s father, Archduke Robert.

I personally think he does have a job in the banking world like his father and elder brother, but he simply decided to keep it private, unlike all his sibilings, whose current jobs/studies are publicly known. I don't think somebody as well-connected as Joachim (and who did excellent studies in prestigious universities) would have much trouble to find employment, regardless of his breach of the quarantine law in Spain a few years ago.
It's true that Astrid's children live very anonymously if compared to other nephews/nieces of European sovereigns. I think it's mostly due to the fact that they decided to live abroad, and they always lead a quite private lifestyle. They all have private social media accounts and never seemed interested to become influencers/models, to participate in reality shows or anything like that. And I think also their cousins, Prince Laurent's children, are living rather privately if compared to others in the same position. Only Prince Aymeric has a public Instagram account, but he doesn't post often, he shared pictures in the past where he was with his close friends, Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, but nothing really significant

They also do not abuse their titles or connections to the Belgian royal family to make money unlike some in other families, titled or untitled. Plus they don’t do royal duties. I’d add that the Belgian media doesn’t bother them too.

 

[Somebody]

They also do not abuse their titles or connections to the Belgian royal family to make money unlike some in other families, titled or untitled. Plus they don’t do royal duties. I’d add that the Belgian media doesn’t bother them too.

I wonder whether it makes a difference that their father is royal as well - and from a non-reigning family; his family is used to mingle in royal and noble circles without seeking media attention.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

I wonder whether it makes a difference that their father is royal as well - and from a non-reigning family; his family is used to mingle in royal and noble circles without seeking media attention.

You might be correct about that too. They also occasionally socialise in noble and royal circles who generally prefer discretion. Lorenz’s branch of the Habsburg's are more private and discreet and certainly haven’t abused their connections unlike some of the families listed by Tatiana Maria.

 

[Adda]

Prince Joachim at Archduke Alexander's wedding. He looks more and more like his father.
https://www.imago-images.com/st/0306466123

 

[Tatiana Maria]

It is indeed interesting how anonymously Princess Astrid's children live in comparison to most of their peers who hold a corresponding position in other European royal houses: the Marichalars, the Behns, the Monpezats, Eloise van Oranje and her siblings, the Yorks and Phillipses.

I'd say it's by choice. The Yorks aside all the families you mention has at least one member that's either no stranger to talking to the press or have chosen a profession that requires living in the public eye. Most often both.
The Estes have chosen to live largely private lives as has the York girls. The attention the latter get are mostly the result of the unfortunate choices of their two parents.

Excellent point. It hadn't occurred to me at all, but you are quite correct.

I wonder whether it makes a diffrence that their father is royal as well - and from a non-reigning family; his family is used to mingle in royal and noble circles without seeking media attention.

You might be correct about that too. They also occasionally socialise in noble and royal circles who generally prefer discretion. Lorenz’s branch of the Habsburg's are more private and discreet and certainly haven’t abused their connections unlike some of the families listed by Tatiana Maria.

I'm inclined to think that is not part of it; some of the other aforementioned families also have noble ancestry on both sides (and the Marichalars' grandfather even belonged to official nobility, in contrast to the Autriche-Este line who are only pretenders to a defunct throne), and there are certainly plenty of members and descendants of other deposed royal families who do seek out or find themselves in the media spotlight.


I apologize for sidetracking Prince Joachim's current events thread. If anyone wishes to continue this discussion about the Astrid branch's anonymity, may I suggest we move it to Princess Astrid's family's general questions thread?

https://www.theroyalforums.com/foru...orenz-and-family-general-questions-26425.html

 

[coninja]

Excellent point. It hadn't occurred to me at all, but you are quite correct.

I'm inclined to think that is not part of it; some of the other aforementioned families also have noble ancestry on both sides (and the Marichalars' grandfather even belonged to official nobility, in contrast to the Autriche-Este line who are only pretenders to a defunct throne), and there are certainly plenty of members and descendants of other deposed royal families who do seek out or find themselves in the media spotlight.

I apologize for sidetracking Prince Joachim's current events thread. If anyone wishes to continue this discussion about the Astrid branch's anonymity, may I suggest we move it to Princess Astrid's family's general questions thread?

https://www.theroyalforums.com/foru...orenz-and-family-general-questions-26425.html

Why do you think they live so privately? It seems quite strange considering the Belgian monarchy granted Joachim and his siblings certain titles. Princess Astrid shouldn't be the only one working for Belgium all the time.

You might be correct about that too. They also occasionally socialise in noble and royal circles who generally prefer discretion. Lorenz’s branch of the Habsburg's are more private and discreet and certainly haven’t abused their connections unlike some of the families listed by Tatiana Maria.

Although some members of other royal houses did this, it seems like a misuse of status and titles for Astrid's children to be shrouded in secrecy instead of being more involved with the monarchy, the King, and their other royal houses through their father's side.

Do you think the King will follow the steps of the Danish Queen and strip them of titles?

I wonder whether it makes a difference that their father is royal as well - and from a non-reigning family; his family is used to mingle in royal and noble circles without seeking media attention.

It could be a mix of things. The media has to be interested in them too. There are many royal family members who do not court the press but are constantly hounded by the press.

Prince Joachim at Archduke Alexander's wedding. He looks more and more like his father.
https://www.imago-images.com/st/0306466123

Lovely photo. Is it known if he brought a date with him to this celebration?

Maria Laura has some features of Archduke Lorenz’s father, Archduke Robert.

She looks a lot more like her mother.

They also do not abuse their titles or connections to the Belgian royal family to make money unlike some in other families, titled or untitled. Plus they don’t do royal duties. I’d add that the Belgian media doesn’t bother them too.

Is it confirmed that Joachim and his siblings do not do royal duties? They probably received funds from the monarchy due to being princes and princesses, as well as their parents, so you would assume they are required to work for the tax payers that support them.

I personally think he does have a job in the banking world like his father and elder brother, but he simply decided to keep it private, unlike all his sibilings, whose current jobs/studies are publicly known. I don't think somebody as well-connected as Joachim (and who did excellent studies in prestigious universities) would have much trouble to find employment, regardless of his breach of the quarantine law in Spain a few years ago.
It's true that Astrid's children live very anonymously if compared to other nephews/nieces of European sovereigns. I think it's mostly due to the fact that they decided to live abroad, and they always lead a quite private lifestyle. They all have private social media accounts and never seemed interested to become influencers/models, to participate in reality shows or anything like that. And I think also their cousins, Prince Laurent's children, are living rather privately if compared to others in the same position. Only Prince Aymeric has a public Instagram account, but he doesn't post often, he shared pictures in the past where he was with his close friends, Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, but nothing really significant

Why do you think they live this way? Do they receive funds from the Belgian tax payers? The King could certainly use their help in continuing the monarchy, considering his children are still young and finding their way in life.

I'd say it's by choice. The Yorks aside all the families you mention has at least one member that's either no stranger to talking to the press or have chosen a profession that requires living in the public eye. Most often both.
The Estes have chosen to live largely private lives as has the York girls. The attention the latter get are mostly the result of the unfortunate choices of their two parents.

The York siblings also do not receive tax payer funds. It is unclear as to what kind of funds they receive from the monarchy.

 

[Somebody]

Why do you think they live so privately? It seems quite strange considering the Belgian monarchy granted Joachim and his siblings certain titles. Princess Astrid shouldn't be the only one working for Belgium all the time.

They received the titles at a time when there were no other grandchildren... It seems king Baudouin mainly wanted to be sure that if Philippe didn't end up having children, the crown wouldn't go to Laurent but to Astrid (and her descendants). Since about 10 years later the future queen, Elisabeth, was born, in the end there was no need for Astrid's children to become involved in royal activities.

Although some members of other royal houses did this, it seems like a misuse of status and titles for Astrid's children to be shrouded in secrecy instead of being more involved with the monarchy, the King, and their other royal houses through their father's side.

Do you think the King will follow the steps of the Danish Queen and strip them of titles?

I don't think Philippe wants his nephews and nieces to be more involved - and given their discrete use of their titles, there is no reason to strip them off them (in which case they would revert back to using their Austrian titles) - even less so, since less than 10 years ago changes were made as to whom is entitled to which title. There is no relation to being involved in royal activity.

It could be a mix of things. The media has to be interested in them too. There are many royal family members who do not court the press but are constantly hounded by the press.

True but in many cases it is going both ways. If certain members of a royal family do not court the media (or need the media for their causes), the media will at some point seize their interest normally. For example, in the Netherlands, there is a lot of interest in one of the king's nieces who has an active social media profile but not in his other nieces and nephew.

Is it confirmed that Joachim and his siblings do not do royal duties? They probably received funds from the monarchy due to being princes and princesses, as well as their parents, so you would assume they are required to work for the tax payers that support them.

There is no relationship between being titled and receiving a dotation. The dotation is reserved for a very small number of family members. Currently, the king's siblings do receive a dotation but the future queen's siblings do and will not. So, it is even further curtailed.

Why do you think they live this way? Do they receive funds from the Belgian tax payers? The King could certainly use their help in continuing the monarchy, considering his children are still young and finding their way in life.


The York siblings also do not receive tax payer funds. It is unclear as to what kind of funds they receive from the monarchy.

Why would the king need help? He's got a wife and siblings to help out (and there isn't really that much to do for his siblings; let alone for their children). His children at times help out as well. I don't think anyone in Belgium feels the need to expand the pool of royal workers.

 

[maria-olivia]

Please remain in Belgium.
Princess Astrid always wanted privacy for her Children.
They studied abroad and are living abroad.
Prince Lorenz is working in Banks and provided work to his Sons.
Prince Joachim did a big mistake during Covid , he asked to go to Spain for work but it was a for a party with many guests. He paid 5000 euros !
They don't receive funds from we taxpayers and have not royal duties.
Amen