About
King of the Belgians, son of King Albert II and Queen Paola, whose reign began upon his father's abdication from the throne due to health reasons in July of 2013. Prior to his accession, he had been honorary chairman of the Foreign Trade Agency, formerly the Belgian Foreign Trade Board, through which he led more than 60 economic objectives. During his reign, he successfully contributed to the formation of a coalition government and provided a royal audience to the Vlaams Belang political party for the first time in its history. In 1998, he established The Prince Philippe Fund, a foundation aimed at bolstering communication between the 3 communities of Belgium. His eponymous fund has supported projects such as inter-community exchanges for students and journalists.
Before Fame
He attended the Belgian Royal Military Academy in the 118th Promotion Toutes Armes, where he took the officer's oath and was appointed to 2nd lieutenant. He went on to study at Trinity College in Oxford and Stanford University in California, where he earned a master's degree in political science. As a parachutist and commando, he earned his fighter pilot's wings and certificates and was promoted to colonel in 1989. In March 2001, he was appointed to the rank of major-general in both the Land and the Air Component, and to the rank of rear-admiral in the Naval Component.
Trivia
He has been decorated with Belgian national honors such as the Grand Master of the Order of Leopold and Grand Master of the Royal Order of the Lion. He also holds dozens of honors in countries worldwide, including Bolivia's Grand Cross of the Order of the Condor of the Andes and Japan's Collar and Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.
Family Life
His uncle was Baudouin of Belgium. He is the older brother of Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent, as well as the half-brother of Princess Delphine of Belgium. In 1999, he married Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz, who became the queen consort of Belgium upon his accession to the throne. Their eldest child, Princess Elisabeth, is his heir apparent and expected to become Belgium's 1st queen regnant when she succeeds to the throne. He and his wife are also the parents of Prince Gabriel of Belgium, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eleonore.
Associated With
He and the late Queen Elizabeth II were said to have shared a common ancestor, making him her 5th cousin. Charles Michel is one of his 4 prime ministers.
