Like every year on the occasion of King's Day, the Belgian royal family attended the Te Deum on November 15 at the Cathedral of Saints-Michel-et-Gudula in Brussels. King Albert II, without his wife Paola, was accompanied by Princess Astrid, Prince Laurent and Prince Lorenz.
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King Albert II without Queen Paola at the Te Deum on King's Day
King Albert II of Belgium, 90 years old, attended the Te Deum celebrated on the occasion of King's Day this Friday, November 15, 2024. The former sovereign has attended this sung celebration every year since his abdication in 2013. This year, his wife, Queen Paola, 87, was absent due to a recent fall at home. Queen Paola must rest her foot for a few more days.
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On King's Day, the King and his wife are on leave. For this reason, since he succeeded his father, King Philippe no longer participates in the events of this day dedicated to him. Queen Mathilde also takes advantage of this day of rest. It was therefore the former sovereign, King Albert II, who headed his family this Friday. Princess Astrid, 62, and Prince Laurent, 61, attended the Te Deum with their father. Prince Lorenz, 68, husband of Princess Astrid, was also present. Princess Claire, wife of Prince Laurent, was announced by the Palace but she was not present.
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Princess Claire also absent from King's Day 2024
The Te Deum is not a mass but a celebration of sung praises. The royal family usually attends a Te Deum on King's Day and National Day. In 1866, a day dedicated to the celebration of the sovereign was established in Belgium, set for November 15, Saint Leopold's Day, in reference to the first name of the first two Belgian kings. During the following reign of Albert I, King's Day was moved to November 26, St. Albert's Day. However, Princess Marie, mother of King Albert I, died on November 26, 1912, which no longer seemed an appropriate date for a festive celebration and they preferred to resume that of November 15. In 1952, during the reign of King Baudouin, King's Day was definitively set for November 15. This day is a public holiday for certain employees in administrative sectors and civil servants in federal public services.
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Since 2000, in addition to the Te Deum, an exceptional session has been organized at the Palais de la Nation by the House of Representatives, the Senate and the government. This session is a presentation around a theme. This year, it will be about youth movements. King Albert II attends with Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz.
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