Princess Delphine & Family, News & Events 2; 2023 -

[Linda_26]

Delphine's requests last year were indeed absurd and I was very critical of her letter to the Prime Minister (just see my previous posts in this thread). The problem there is that she clearly enjoys being at the centre of the attention, and doesn't seem to understand that she has, in many respects, a different position than her half-sibilings.
However, even at the time of this controversy, she attacked the government and those in charge of "royal protocol", but not specifically members of her family (see here). I can't comment on the comparison with Harry, as I don't follow the British Royal Family enough to have an opinion, but Delphine has always said, in several interviews since the end of the court case (2020), that she has a good relationship again with her father and at least some members of her family: while they don't see each other frequently, they get along well

As in this post I made a reference to "interviews" Delphine gave recently, I share here a rather long interview (I don't think it was posted before) of just a couple of weeks ago, to Paris Match Belgique:
La princesse Delphine se confie sur son art et sa relation avec son père : "Depuis 1999, j'ai pu évoluer à travers des situations difficiles"

Among other things, she presented her upcoming expo in Knokke, she talked about the controversy surrounding her letter to the Prime Minister (that's the part I'm most sceptical about-I guess we'll hear more about it), and about her relationship with her father.

 

[Hannelore]

As time goes by Laurent & Delphine's oddities are becoming noise in the background. Their problems obviously stemming from a very difficult childhood, parental neglect.
It's become clear to me how much the four royal "children" have taken their places in the limelight already. Last Sunday in Brussels, you could really feel the warmth of the public for the young generation. There's a great confidence in Elisabeth & Gabriel, with Emmanuel and Eléonore still being more unknown.

 

[sunflowers]

In this ‘family’ picture of Delphine & her family with the king, only her and partner appear happy. Albert just sits stiffly, with a serious face. Paola, well, I saw her smiling differently in the past, her eyes, IMO, are sad.

 

[leidi]

In this ‘family’ picture of Delphine & her family with the king, only her and partner appear happy. Albert just sits stiffly, with a serious face. Paola, well, I saw her smiling differently in the past, her eyes, IMO, are sad.

For some strange reason it seems like all four of Albert's children found loving, supportive partners who are quite family oriented and are as unproblematic as it goes.

And I say strange because it feels as if it is a huge stroke of luck that four kids who came up in very disfunctional situations all ended up finding out good people to marry and have kids with.

 

[Linda_26]

In this ‘family’ picture of Delphine & her family with the king, only her and partner appear happy. Albert just sits stiffly, with a serious face. Paola, well, I saw her smiling differently in the past, her eyes, IMO, are sad.

I don't think Paola's eyes are sad, but it's my impression, of course. In any case, she's not somebody who pretends to be happy just for the picture (quite the contrary), so I think that if she smiles, she's indeed at ease. The picture was taken at Belvédère, certainly on 9 June (see Paola's outfit, the same as for the elections): Delphine and her family were almost certainly there to wish Albert a happy birthday

 

[Lady Chiara]

For some strange reason it seems like all four of Albert's children found loving, supportive partners who are quite family oriented and are as unproblematic as it goes.

And I say strange because it feels as if it is a huge stroke of luck that four kids who came up in very disfunctional situations all ended up finding out good people to marry and have kids with.

I'm extremely glad they all seemed to have created for their children what they couldn't have for themselves

 

[Linda_26]

John Patrick O'Hare, Jim O'Hare's father and Princess Delphine's father-in-law, died aged 99 in Houston, Texas, on 12 August 2024. Born in 1925, during WW2 he joined the 30th Infantry division of the US Army, landed in Omaha Beach and took part in the six-day-long Battle of Mortain. He received many decorations for his actions during WW2.
He leaves his wife Gail, his four children (from his first marriage, which ended in divorce many years ago), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren:

Obituary

HLN article

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Interesting that the first obituary, which reads as being written by the family, refers to Delphine as Jim's spouse. I wonder whether that is because Jim's family is not aware of his exact relationship status, or because Jim and Delphine do consider themselves spouses even though they have chosen not to legally marry (the Belgian press also seems to refer to him as her husband).

 

[Mbruno]

I don't think Paola's eyes are sad, but it's my impression, of course. In any case, she's not somebody who pretends to be happy just for the picture (quite the contrary), so I think that if she smiles, she's indeed at ease. The picture was taken at Belvédère, certainly on 9 June (see Paola's outfit, the same as for the elections): Delphine and her family were almost certainly there to wish Albert a happy birthday

Of course she is Italian, and Italians are not known for faking their feelings.

 

[Linda_26]

Interesting that the first obituary, which reads as being written by the family, refers to Delphine as Jim's spouse. I wonder whether that is because Jim's family is not aware of his exact relationship status, or because Jim and Delphine do consider themselves spouses even though they have chosen not to legally marry (the Belgian press also seems to refer to him as her husband).

Over the years, I've heard Delphine calling Jim both "her partner" and "her husband" in interviews, so they probably consider themselves spouses, even though they aren't legally married.
Also in an earlier obituary, from 2016, of another member of Jim's family (his stepfather, husband of his mother Clarice), Delphine is referred to as his "wife".

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Over the years, I've heard Delphine calling Jim both "her partner" and "her husband" in interviews, so they probably consider themselves spouses, even though they aren't legally married.
Also in an earlier obituary, from 2016, of another member of Jim's family (his stepfather, husband of his mother Clarice), Delphine is referred to as his "wife".

Thank you, Linda_26, you are always well informed.

I wonder why they have chosen not to be legally married (wasn't there an interview where Delphine addressed that?). It is not that they unequivocally need to, but given that they consider themselves spouses and are fine with others considering them spouses, there typically are practical advantages (e.g., regarding finances) to legalizing a marriage. And Delphine herself apparently considered legal relationships to be important when she pressed for a legal acknowledgement of paternity and legal titles even after Albert II's public acknowledgment of her as his daughter.

 

[Marengo]

If they are not married it is likely they have another legal arrangement, such as a registered partnership. Which in Belgium will not be all that different. It does not require an official ceremony and when dissolved the partners do not need to go to a judge. But other than that I don´t think there is much difference these days. Few long term partners with children will not have such a partnership, even though they are not married.

 

[iceflower]

Delphine has a new advertising partnership with Belgian makeup company Couleurs de Noir:

Couleurs de Noir | enriched makeup on Instagram: "We’re thrilled to welcome @delphine_de_saxe_cobourg to the @couleursdenoir community! Her vibrant spirit and commitment to self-expression perfectly align with our brand’s core values. Delphine beli

516 likes, 21 comments - couleursdenoir on September 16, 2024: "We’re thrilled to welcome @delphine_de_saxe_cobourg to the @couleursdenoir community! Her vibrant spirit and commitment to self-expression perfectly align with our brand’s core values. Delphine believes in the transformative power...

www.instagram.com

 

[leidi]

I think at this point, Jim is Delphine's spouse, whether they have made it legal or not, they are for all intents and purposes, life partners and have built a life together and I think their families consider them as such tbh.

 

[Adda]

Delphine will appear at 8:10pm on La Une (RTBF) talking about her love story with Jim O'Hare.

 

[iceflower]

Delphine posted a telling statement following comments about her absence from yesterday's King's Day:

I was reminded again yesterday by the press why I was not invited to celebrate kings Day. The reason is that I do not take a dotation like my brothers and sister. So the fact is that I am not welcome because, in essence, at the time I was born, my parents were not married to each other. I write this again and I continue to speak up because children do not choose the circumstances into which they are born. Our society and laws should reflect values that welcome children equally whether they are born in marriage, third marriage, fourth marriage, outside marriage or adopted or whatever. I remain hopeful that one day our leaders in government, society, and church take these truths to heart.

Delphine de Saxe-Cobourg on Instagram: "I was reminded again yesterday by the press why I was not invited to celebrate kings Day. The reason is that I do not take a dotation like my brothers and sister. So the fact is that I am not welcome because, i

delphine_de_saxe_cobourg on November 16, 2024: "I was reminded again yesterday by the press why I was not invited to celebrate kings Day. The reason is that I do not take a dotation like my brothers and sister. So the fact is that I am not welcome because, in essence, at the time I was born, my...

www.instagram.com

 

[Michiru-Kaiou]

Delphine posted a telling statement following comments about her absence from yesterday's King's Day:

I have to say, I fully agree with her, that this antiquated concept of legitimacy still exists is abhorrent. Children are children and should all have the same rights, whether they are born into wedlock or not. That the eldest becomes the monarch is a neccessary evil, but denying the same rights to illegitimate (the whole concept reeks) children like Delphine isn't. And since I do think that way, I applaud her fight, admire her determination. Hopefully she'll, at least, get those responsible to think.

best wishes Michiru

 

[Linda_26]

Delphine posted a telling statement following comments about her absence from yesterday's King's Day:

Delphine de Saxe-Cobourg on Instagram: "I was reminded again yesterday by the press why I was not invited to celebrate kings Day. The reason is that I do not take a dotation like my brothers and sister. So the fact is that I am not welcome because, i

delphine_de_saxe_cobourg on November 16, 2024: "I was reminded again yesterday by the press why I was not invited to celebrate kings Day. The reason is that I do not take a dotation like my brothers and sister. So the fact is that I am not welcome because, in essence, at the time I was born, my...

www.instagram.com

Again, same thing as last year, as I expected.
I say it again, it's not difficult to understand that only those who work for the monarchy are invited to this event. If any of her sibilings weren't working for the monarchy, they wouldn't be invited, either, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. Her complaints are really off. She should enjoy the freedom she has, it would be much better for her as well.
That's the last thing I'll say about it!

 

[Adda]

No freaking way that she has dared to do this again. Princess Esmeralda, a legitimate child (this is sort of important within a MONARCHY) whose two children were not given titles, has never behaved in such a narcissistic, entitled way as this woman does. It's absolutely revolting.

Enough is enough. The King has to draw a line.

 

[Biri]

Alejandra and Leopoldo don't have titles, because their that doesn't have any title, he is just Salvador Moncada.

 

[Linda_26]

Alejandra and Leopoldo don't have titles, because their that doesn't have any title, he is just Salvador Moncada.

It has nothing to do with it. Josephine and Oscar's father doesn't have any title, either

 

[Somebody]

And she keeps forgetting that the main difference is that she is not in line to the throne.

 

[sophie25]

Why is she so hostile?

At the end of the day her mother was sleeping with a married man. Perhaps she should consider that the married man's wife and other children actually owe her nothing and have went above and beyond what many in their position would have done regarding her. If she is bitter then perhaps she should be bitter at her own mother rather than taking all of her resentment out on Albert's family. I am amazed at how accommodating Paola especially has been with this, there is no way I would have a child born through an affair my husband had at family events. Rightly or wrongly I just wouldn't and I am not alone. She seems to have no concept of how good they have been to her and seems intent in causing non stop trouble.

 

[hereditarytitles]

But hasn't she fought for many years to be recognized as Albert's child out of wedlock?.
I remember all those articles in tabloids and Albert refusing for years to make the test.
She finally succeeded because of a court ruling. I also remember that she always stated that she only wants the recognition of her biological father, but no money nor fame.

In the end it turned out that she wanted more and is disappointed that she doesn't get it.

I have a suspicion that it was also about inheritance, not only status. It was reported that Albert and Paola got advice from lawyers how to handle inheritance money and changed a few things in their legacies or trusts they made for their children as it is common with royal families.

And yes, she has a right to get her legal financial inheritance part as his child, but it surely doesn't include anything else.

She should just be content with her success but not forcefully trying to be an important part of the family.

 

[maria-olivia]

King Albert and Queen Paola change their Wedding Settlement. When King Albert will pass away , his heirs are 4. When Queen Paola will pass away , her Heirs are 3...

 

[tommy100]

I don’t see why she keeps bringing this up. As I understand it the invitations are not done by the Royal Court but by the government and only official working royals are invited (or those who were eg Albert). Why cause drama and hurt to her family (whom she fought so long for recognition from) over something out of their control.

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

No freaking way that she has dared to do this again. Princess Esmeralda, a legitimate child (this is sort of important within a MONARCHY) whose two children were not given titles, has never behaved in such a narcissistic, entitled way as this woman does. It's absolutely revolting.

Enough is enough. The King has to draw a line.

Yes, kings of old (and Albert of Monaco has several) had plenty of illegitimate children - to my knowledge , they didn’t become part of whichever royal family. A monarchy is all about the circumstances of your birth. Yes, a child can’t control that. But for anyone, finding out about paternity as an adult and demanding that everyone accept you is over the top. I thought she just wanted proof and the acknowledgment- no, she wants a lot more.

Albert really messed up this whole business. Surely after Albert broke off the relationship with Delphine’s mother, he told Paola about Delphine. Had he not continued to deny it, perhaps they could have come to some agreements. How he could deny it when she is the image of Queen Astrid is beyond me! Maybe things have changed but it doesn’t appear that Albert wants a real relationship with her. The whole thing is very sad but Delphines attitude isn’t helping a bit. I would think that the family would be even less likely to include her when she grumbles publicly. And she doesn’t seem to get that because she is NOT Paola’s daughter as well, she is different than her half brothers and sister. Welcome to how a monarchy operates!

And as stated upthread, only working royals are invited by the govt to this event.

 

[Linda_26]

Albert really messed up this whole business. Surely after Albert broke off the relationship with Delphine’s mother, he told Paola about Delphine. Had he not continued to deny it, perhaps they could have come to some agreements. How he could deny it when she is the image of Queen Astrid is beyond me! Maybe things have changed but it doesn’t appear that Albert wants a real relationship with her.

Paola basically always knew about Delphine- they almost divorced over this, before reconciling in the 1980s. It has been often claimed that Albert cut off ties with Delphine (who knew about her parentage since when she was 17) when he reconciled with Paola, which is not true- he was in touch with Delphine until 2001 (2 years after Danneels' book was published, and Delphine’s existence was revealed to the general public).

Why Albert kept fighting her claim in court is open to speculation (you'll find much of it in previous threads about her). According to some, his very conservative and Catholic entourage (Albert and Paola are known to have become very religious after they reconciled, they're still often spotted on religious pilgrimages/travels) advised him against openly acknowledging her.

Albert and Delphine (according to her many inteviews since she was recognized) have a private relationship again since 2020 and she generally speaks well of him. Whether it's real or not, we can't know for sure of course.
These stupid complaints clearly do her no favours, also considering the fact that her family has been very welcoming (more than most would be in these circumstances!) towards her: she's always attended National Day since 2021 (see this video from 2023 with the family) and she's always included at family occasions (Mass for the Deceased members of the Royal Family, she was even there for the Pope's Mass in Brussels in September!). It really sounds ungrateful and entitled on her part.

 

[Lady Daly]

I can understand Delphine's ongoing pain. Perhaps if King Albert had publicly recognized Delphine earlier in her life instead of making her suffer and fight to get the recognition of her birth she would be more amenable to what can be and not be regarding the rules of the monarchy itself. A shame for everyone she continues to fight like this, especially for Delphine. Give this fight up, Delphine, you have been recognized.

 

[Somebody]

Paola basically always knew about Delphine- they almost divorced over this, before reconciling in the 1980s. It has been often claimed that Albert cut off ties with Delphine (who knew about her parentage since when she was 17) when he reconciled with Paola, which is not true- he was in touch with Delphine until 2001 (2 years after Danneels' book was published, and Delphine’s existence was revealed to the general public).

Why Albert kept fighting her claim in court is open to speculation (you'll find much of it in previous threads about her). According to some, his very conservative and Catholic entourage (Albert and Paola are known to have become very religious after they reconciled, they're still often spotted on religious pilgrimages/travels) advised him against openly acknowledging her.

Albert and Delphine (according to her many inteviews since she was recognized) have a private relationship again since 2020 and she generally speaks well of him. Whether it's real or not, we can't know for sure of course.
These stupid complaints clearly do her no favours, also considering the fact that her family has been very welcoming (more than most would be in these circumstances!) towards her: she's always attended National Day since 2021 (see this video from 2023 with the family) and she's always included at family occasions (Mass for the Deceased members of the Royal Family, she was even there for the Pope's Mass in Brussels in September!). It really sounds ungrateful and entitled on her part.

Exactly, Delphine should be included in family events (as indeed she states that it isn't her fault that her parents should never have been in a romantic relationship - she is still family) but there is no reason at all to include her in official royal events; as she is not in line to the throne nor expected to undertake royal duties on behalf of the king, so she is theoretically of no relevance to the Belgian state nor the monarchy (although we've seen in other royal houses that that can still cast a shadow on the royal family). Therefore, I still don't understand why Philip considered it a good idea to include her in the National Day celebrations (the mass for the deceased, however, makes sense).