Born in Bavaria in 1876, Élisabeth came from an aristocratic family. From a young age, she stood out for her independent and unconventional character.
Having become Queen of the Belgians in 1909 alongside her husband Albert I, she did not conform to the mold of the traditional queen. Élisabeth asserts herself as a free spirited womanpassionate about artsthere music and the literature.
Her biting humor and her often piquant remarks earned her the affectionate nickname of “funny queen” among the Belgian people.
Funny, but engaging
Elizabeth is not content to be a decorative queen. She is actively involved in the social and cultural life of Belgium.
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She supports many artists and cultural institutions, and even created her own foundation to promote girls’ education. During the First World War, she devoted herself body and soul to the wounded and refugees, and became a figurehead of national resistance.
An outspoken queen who disturbs
Élisabeth does not hesitate to express her opinions, even when they are contrary to dominant thinking. His outspokenness and his criticism of the establishment sometimes earn him enmity. However, his authenticity and his courage also attract the admiration and respect of the Belgian people.
Elisabeth of Wittelsbach died in 1965, leaving behind the memory of an extraordinary queen. Her whimsical character, her lively mind and her commitment to the causes that were close to her heart made her a significant figure in Belgian history.
