Philippe of Belgium

Philippe of Belgium (French: Philippe Léopold Louis Marie, Dutch: Filip(s) Leopold Lodewijk Maria; born 15 April 1960) is the King of the Belgians, having ascended the throne on 21 July 2013. He is the eldest child of King Albert II, whom he succeeded upon Albert's abdication for health reasons, and Queen Paola.

Quotes

I swear to abide by the constitution and laws of the Belgian people, to maintain national independence and the integrity of the land.
- As quoted in "Divided Belgium has a new King Philippe", Telegraph (21 July 2013)

I begin my reign with the desire to put myself at the service of all Belgians. I will work for it in perfect agreement with the government and in accordance with the constitution.
- As quoted in "Divided Belgium has a new King Philippe", Telegraph (21 July 2013)

The wealth of our country and our institutional system lies particularly in the fact that our diversity is strength. Whenever we find a balance between unity and diversity, the strength of Belgium is precisely to give meaning to our diversity.
- As quoted in "Divided Belgium has a new King Philippe", Telegraph (21 July 2013)

Princess Marie-Esméralda of Belgium: I am accused of attacking my family and especially the person of the king. That was clearly never my intention, I know how complex and delicate the situation in Belgium is. I know that the king cannot act politically without the permission of the government. I also know how passionate my cousin is about history, but also sensitive to the aspirations and feelings of his fellow citizens. We live in a crucial moment. The opportunity for inter-community dialogue must be seized.
- Princess Esmeralda: Leopold II belongs in the museum

Laurette Onkelinx: Why did the king have to receive the Vlaams Belang? This is a racist and violent party and I think that the message given by the king is damaging.
- Belgian king's meeting with far-right leader sparks controversy Francophone Socialist Party politician Lauret Onkelinx gives remarks on the Belgian King meeting with the head of the Flemish Nationalist party 'vlaams Belang'.

Tom Van Grieken: It is completely normal to invite a party that has won the elections. I was pleased with the invitation … I am not going to say it is unnatural. This is natural. What happened over the past 40 years was not democratic.
- Belgian king's meeting with far-right leader sparks controversy Flemish Nationalist Party Leader 'Tom van Grieken' gives remarks on being invited by the King for the first time since the founding of his party 'Vlaams Belang' in 1979.

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