In a blend of tradition and modernity, the Belgian royal family, led by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, embarked on their annual pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, a journey steeped in spiritual significance. This year’s pilgrimage, however, was marked by a notable event: the presence of Prince Emmanuel, who was seen using crutches due to a recent injury.
The royal family, comprising the King, Queen, and their children—Prince Gabriel, 21, and Princess Éléonore, 17—made their way along the famous route that stretches from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to the cathedral in Galicia, Spain. This year’s pilgrimage not only coincided with Holy Week, culminating on Easter Sunday, April 20, but also celebrated two significant family milestones: King Philippe’s 65th birthday on April 15 and Princess Éléonore’s 17th birthday on April 16.
Since the inception of this tradition in 2017, the royal couple has embraced the spiritual journey as a means of reflection and connection with their faith, honoring Saint James, whose relics are believed to rest in the cathedral they visit. The King, known for his philosophical inclinations, uses this time for meditation on existence and the meaning of life.
This year, however, the pilgrimage took a different turn for Prince Emmanuel, who at 19, was spotted with crutches and even in a wheelchair during the Holy Thursday mass at the cathedral. Reports indicate that he sprained his right foot while on the trek, which necessitated the use of crutches and a bandage. Despite his injury, he persevered through the pilgrimage, which is quite a testament to his character, as he aspires to be a professional football player.
"It’s remarkable to see him pushing through despite the pain," said a source close to the royal family. Emmanuel, who holds an International Baccalaureate (IB) from the International School of Brussels, is currently training at a football academy in Spain, focusing on becoming a goalkeeper.
Princess Elisabeth, the eldest at 23, was notably absent from this year’s pilgrimage due to her studies at Harvard University, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in public policy. Her absence was felt, yet the family continued to embody the spirit of unity and tradition that has become synonymous with their public image.
In addition to the pilgrimage, the royal family recently launched a unique communication initiative to mark King Philippe’s birthday. They invited Belgian citizens to submit questions directly to the King via the website www.leroirepond.be. This platform, open until April 23, allows individuals to send video questions, with selected queries answered by the King in a follow-up video to be released in May. This initiative reflects the royal family's ongoing efforts to modernize their image and strengthen their connection with the public.
"When you have a question for the King, you ask him," Princess Elisabeth said in a playful video announcement shared on the royal palace’s Instagram account. Her siblings joined in, adding humor and spontaneity to the campaign, which aims to make the monarchy more accessible.
This approach is part of a broader strategy adopted by King Philippe since his ascension to the throne, which aims to balance tradition with contemporary engagement. The King has worked to cultivate a more personal image, shedding some of the stiffness that once characterized the monarchy. His popularity has notably increased as a result.
As the family completed their pilgrimage, they reached the cathedral, a moment that signifies not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. The royal family’s commitment to maintaining this tradition underscores their dedication to both their faith and their cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Princess Éléonore, who recently celebrated her birthday, has begun to step into the public eye more frequently. With her own educational journey at the International School of Brussels, she is poised to take on a more significant role in the royal family’s public engagements.
This year’s pilgrimage and the accompanying initiatives illustrate the Belgian royal family’s commitment to intertwining their royal duties with personal milestones and public engagement. The blend of family celebration and spiritual reflection highlights the dual nature of their roles as both monarchs and individuals.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of modern monarchy, the royal family remains a symbol of continuity and change, reflecting both the traditions of the past and the aspirations for the future.
With the pilgrimage now complete, the royal family looks ahead to the upcoming Easter celebrations, a time of renewal and reflection for many. Their journey serves as a reminder of the significance of faith and family in both their personal lives and their roles as leaders of Belgium.
