Category Archives: Royal Family of Belgium

Belgian Royals, Headlines, Royal Family of Belgium

Prince Emmanuel of Belgium Changes Course of Study, Continues His University Education in Brussels, the Palace Confirms

Portrait courtesy of Monarchie Belge/Bas Bogaerts

In Brussels, the Palais Royal de Bruxelles has confirmed that His Royal Highness Prince Emmanuel of Belgium has changed his course of study and will continue his education in the Belgian capital.

The 20-year-old son of Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians has withdrawn from UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL) in Leuven after completing his first semester, where he had been pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management and Marketing, taught in English.

Prince Emmanuel has since enrolled in a French-language program in business development at ISTEC Bruxelles, École supérieure de commerce et de marketing, where he is following the program, “chargé d’affaires commerciales.” The course is understood to offer a more practical, hands-on approach, including opportunities for professional placements.

According to the Palais Royal, the transition was carried out discreetly and reflects a personal decision by the Prince following a reassessment of his academic direction. Despite the change, Prince Emmanuel’s studies are expected to proceed without delay, provided he completes his examinations by the end of the academic year.

Belgian Royals, Norwegian Royals, Royal Family of Belgium, Royal Family of Norway

Belgian State Visit to Norway Begins as Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway Makes Unscheduled Appearance

  • Photos courtesy of Det Kongelige Hoff/ Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB
  • Photos courtesy of Det Kongelige Hoff/ Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB

In Oslo, Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway hosted an incoming state visit from Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians at the Royal Palace, marking the first state visit between the two kingdoms in nearly three decades.

The visit, which includes engagements in Oslo and Stavanger, is centered on cooperation in energy, defense, and broader multilateral priorities. Norway remains a key energy supplier to Belgium, and both countries maintain close coordination as NATO allies.

Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians were formally welcomed at the Royal Palace with full state honours, including the playing of national anthems, an inspection of the King’s Guard of Honor, and the presentation of official delegations.

Once inside the Royal Palace, Their Majesties held a private meeting, described by the Royal Court as a “tête-à-tête,” ahead of the exchange of gifts.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway appeared during the indoor program at the Royal Palace, joining Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway for official photographs. Her attendance had not been listed in the official press release from the Royal Court of Norway.

The appearance comes days after an interview broadcast by NRK (Norsk rikskringkasting) that prompted widespread criticism in Norway, in which the Crown Princess addressed her past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.

Later in the day, Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, accompanied by the Crown Prince of Norway, laid a wreath at the National Monument at Akershus Fortress in tribute to those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

A state banquet hosted by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Norway is scheduled to take place at the Royal Palace this evening, bringing together members of the Belgian delegation and representatives of Norwegian public life.

Belgian Royals, Imperial Family of Japan, Royal Family of Belgium

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians to Host a State Visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan Marking 160 Years of Diplomatic Relations

  • Portrait courtesy of La Monarchie Belge
  • Portrait courtesy of Kunaichō (the Imperial Household Agency)

On Thursday, the Government of Japan announced that Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians will host an incoming state visit from Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in mid to late June 2026.

The visit will take place on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Belgium and Japan.

In a statement issued by the Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Government of Japan, Minoru Kihara, noted that exchanges between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Belgium have long played an important role in strengthening the close and friendly relations between the two countries. He added that preparations for the visit are proceeding following repeated invitations extended by the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium.

Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Belgium and Japan date back to  August 1st, 1866, when the two countries signed the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation. The agreement was concluded during the final years of the Tokugawa period, at a time when Japan was establishing formal diplomatic and commercial relations with a number of Western countries following the end of its long period of relative isolation.

The Kingdom of Belgium was among the early European countries to establish sustained diplomatic ties with Japan. In the decades that followed, relations between the two countries expanded through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.

In October 1921, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan, the future Emperor Hirohito, visited the Kingdom of Belgium during his tour of Europe. During the visit, the Crown Prince was received by King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians.

Exchanges between the Royal Family of Belgium and the Imperial Family of Japan have continued as part of the broader diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The forthcoming visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will mark the latest chapter in those relations.