On June 6, King Albert II will celebrate his 90th birthday. With his wife Queen Paola, he divides his time between Belgium and the south of France. What does retirement look like for a nonagenarian? We followed in his footsteps from Provence to Belgium.
On the heights of Cannes, in the hinterland, you can see a typical, unpretentious Provençal house, well hidden behind the olive trees. For almost 30 years, it has been the refuge of Albert and Paola, the privileged cocoon where they enjoy a peaceful and fuss-free retirement, according to their neighbors.
In the neighboring village of Opio, the regulars toast the health of the man who has integrated perfectly with the Provençals over the years. “He is a simple and efficient man. I received it a few times, it is very discreet“, notes a trader.
This is what attracted Albert and Paola from the start: nature and the simplicity of this little corner of France. Here, the couple can forget for a while the protocol on southern markets. Simple pleasure, quality products: Albert II is a gourmet, as local traders can attest. “Lamb ribs, pork shank…“, explains another trader to whom Albert stopped by.
Our former sovereigns are certainly retired, but they do not live like hermits… In Châteauneuf, they continue to receive people, and to have an active social life. However, it is in Belgium that the King is expected to celebrate his 90th birthday this Thursday, June 6, with around seventy guests. The former sovereign made it known that he did not want a gift, but a donation to the Queen Paola Foundation.
This report can be found in its entirety on video at the top of the article.
Albert II Paola Royal Family
