King Albert II, Prince Laurent, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz attended the Te Deum for King’s Day in the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels on Friday morning. Queen Paola and Princess Claire signed absent from the celebration. The queen suffered a slight fall in early November and must rest for four weeks.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden arrived at the cathedral at just before 10 am. In addition to the government representatives, several schools, members of the diplomatic corps and patriotic organizations were also present.
Just after 10 am, the royal family climbed the steps of the cathedral, after which the celebration started. Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, Luc Terlinden, presided over the celebration and wished Queen Paola a speedy recovery. He also spoke about the victims of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and those affected by the floods in Spain.
King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their four children were not present. Tradition has it that the king does not celebrate himself.
