Philippe King of Belgium Date of Birth: 15.04.1960 Country: Belgium

1. Biography of King Philippe of Belgium
2. Educational Background
3. Military Career
4. Family and Personal Life
5. Public Service and Philanthropy
6. Succession

Biography of King Philippe of Belgium

King Philippe of Belgium was born on April 15, 1960, in Brussels, Belgium. He is the eldest son of King Albert II and Queen Paola. Philippe succeeded his father on the throne in July 2013 after King Albert II abdicated due to health issues.

Educational Background

Philippe attended a regular school, which was uncommon for Belgian princes at the time, as they typically received education at home. He studied at the Belgian Royal Military Academy from 1978 to 1981 and obtained the rank of second lieutenant on September 26, 1980. He later continued his education at Trinity College, Oxford, and received a Master's degree in Political Science from Stanford University in California.

Military Career

Philippe has a keen interest in technology and aviation. He completed courses in fighter management, parachuting, and commandos. He is an experienced pilot and has flown solo in various aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. In 1989, Philippe underwent additional training courses at the Defense Institute and was promoted to the rank of colonel. He was later promoted to major general in the ground and air forces and rear admiral in the naval forces.

Family and Personal Life

On December 4, 1999, Philippe married Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz, the daughter of Belgian aristocrats and a descendant of ancient Polish aristocratic families. They have four children together: Princess Elisabeth Thérèse Marie Hélène, Princess Eléonore Fabiola Victoria Anne Marie, Prince Gabriel Baudouin Charles Marie, and Prince Emmanuel Leopold Guillaume François Marie.

Public Service and Philanthropy

Besides his military career, Philippe has been actively involved in public service and philanthropy. He served as the Honorary Chairman of the Belgian Foreign Trade Board and the Foreign Trade Agency. He also founded a charitable foundation in 1998, focused on promoting dialogue among different Belgian federations. Philippe has received honorary doctorates and is a member of the Club of Rome. He has been awarded numerous orders and medals from various countries.

Succession

King Philippe announced his planned abdication on July 3, 2013, and officially stepped down from the throne on July 21, 2013, passing the crown to his son, Prince Albert. Due to changes in the succession laws, his daughter, Princess Elisabeth, is now the next in line to the throne.