Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant

[Future Crayon]

Happy 18th birthday to Princess Elisabeth!



Birthday celebrations will be broadcast live on belgian TV later today.

Here are a few photos of the birthday girl from the last 18 years

[Future Crayon]

Preparations have started - it looks like Elisabeth will receive the Order of Leopold today

[Ellie]

Elizabeth is a lovely, confident, intelligent young woman who is a credit to her family. Phil and Til, and nannies, and others involved, you did a fabulous job with this wonderful young lady. They must be so proud. *I* am and I don't even know her!

[Pulsatilla]

I wish her a happy birthday and the very best for her adult life. And hopefully Uncle Laurent will behave properly today.

[Dresstoimpress]

Livestream in Dutch: https://www.hln.be/showbi...inses-elisabeth~aafb47e1/

[Principessa]

Livestream in Dutch: https://www.hln.be/showbi...inses-elisabeth~aafb47e1/

Bedankt!


"ïn het beige tenuetje van Natan"  

"prinses Astrid staat niet op de lijst van Natan. Zij heeft draagt meestal Chanel"

[Future Crayon]

The Belgian government have named a North Sea wind farm after the birthday girl:

[Principessa]

Apparently the whole royal family, with exception of Laurent, would be present.

EDIT: on the live blog, I have noticed Claire AND Laurent. Apparently he is present.  I assume I mixed up Laurent and Lorenz (misheard the name)

[Principessa]

https://www.hln.be/showbi...s-gemaal-worden~a5471a46/

De moeilijke zoektocht naar een geschikte echtgenoot voor prinses Elisabeth: “Welke jonge man wil nu prins-gemaal worden?”

The difficult search for a suitable husband for Princess Elisabeth: "Which young man now wants to be a prince-consort?"

[Future Crayon]

https://www.hln.be/showbi...s-gemaal-worden~a5471a46/

De moeilijke zoektocht naar een geschikte echtgenoot voor prinses Elisabeth: “Welke jonge man wil nu prins-gemaal worden?”

The difficult search for a suitable husband for Princess Elisabeth: "Which young man now wants to be a prince-consort?"

ALREADY? The poor girl is 18!

[Future Crayon]

Phil, Til and Lil have arrived: Elisabeth is in a nice white belted coat.

[Future Crayon]

Phil is starting his speech:

Chère Élisabeth, ta maman et moi sommes très heureux de t’avoir pour fille. Nous sommes fiers de toi

aww

[Future Crayon]

Phil's speech

Today, you are 18 years old. And we are very happy to celebrate with you this important step in your life. When I was 18 years old, two questions animated me: "Who am I?" And "What can I do with my life?"

Your generation has developed a keen sense of societal, climatic and environmental issues. You aspire to a more just, equitable and united society. You are fully aware that our resources are not unlimited. Our lifestyles must evolve.

Like all young people you aspire to freedom. To be free is to answer the call of life.

Your mother and I are very happy to have you as a daughter. We are proud of you and how you take charge of your life. Do not be afraid to go forward, to realize the challenges. You have many qualities, I know that it will bring a lot of happiness to everyone you meet. Belgium is a country that finds its richness and strength in its diversity and in its human capital. The monarchy is above all a human dimension. It is at the service of people. Every king or queen is brought to value and stimulate the best in everyone. This is to be King of the Belgians.

Spread your wings, be happy. That's what I wish you wholeheartedly, that's what we wish you all.

[Principessa]

I am now enjoying the speeches of the 5  Belgian 18 year old (born in the same year as Elisabeth). Coming from the various provinces of Belgium.

Currently the latest one, which IMO is a specials one. The girl is born in Congo and came to Belgian with her parents. At first with illegal / immigrant status. Based on her use of Dutch I assume she grew up in Flanderen.

[Principessa]

Now the Leopoldsorde, which Elisabeth will receive.