King Filip of Belgium is celebrating his 65th birthday today, April 15, 2025, and to mark this milestone, the royal palace has launched an innovative initiative inviting the public to submit questions for the monarch. The announcement comes alongside the release of new photographs of the king, which is a traditional gesture for royal birthdays.
In a special video shared on the official Instagram account of the Belgian royal family, King Filip’s four children—Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore—encouraged followers to send in their most pressing questions. "If we have a question for the king, we just ask it," said Princess Elisabeth, the eldest at 23 years old. Her younger sister, Princess Eléonore, added in French, "Can I ask you something?" while Prince Gabriel prompted viewers with a playful, "But you undoubtedly have questions for him as well," reflecting the family's eagerness to connect with the public.
To facilitate this interaction, a dedicated website, www.vraaghetaandekoning.be, has been set up, allowing individuals to upload video questions until April 24, 2025. King Filip is set to respond to a selection of these inquiries in a video message that will be released in May. This initiative not only serves to engage the public but also highlights the modern approach the royal family is taking to foster a closer relationship with the citizens.
King Filip’s journey to this point has been marked by significant historical and personal milestones. Born on April 15, 1960, he was the first child of Prince Albert and Princess Paola. His birth was celebrated with 101 cannon shots, a royal tradition in Belgium. Growing up in the Belvédère Castle in Laken, Filip was shielded from the public eye, a situation complicated by the strained relationship between his parents, which led to separate living arrangements. This environment shaped his early years, and he later described feeling different from his peers.
As a child, Filip attended the Franstalige Institut de la Vièrge Fidèle for kindergarten and went on to the Franstalige jezuïetencollege Saint-Michel in Brussels. He later remarked, "I was the first in the history of the monarchy to attend a normal school," highlighting a shift in royal upbringing practices. Despite facing challenges, such as feeling judged for attending French-speaking schools in a predominantly Dutch-speaking country, he persevered and eventually attended boarding school in Loppem, near Bruges.
Filip’s education continued at the Royal Military School, where he trained as a cadet and later pursued a career as a fighter pilot and paracommando. He furthered his studies at the University of Oxford and Stanford University, earning a master’s degree in political science. His academic achievements paved the way for a more informed and engaged monarchy.
Tragedy struck in 1993 when King Boudewijn unexpectedly passed away, leading to Prince Albert ascending the throne. Filip was reportedly not informed about his uncle’s ascension, a moment that left him feeling sidelined. Over the years, he developed a public persona that was often perceived as awkward and out of touch, a sentiment that was exacerbated by meticulously prepared public statements.
In 1999, Filip announced his engagement to Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz, emphasizing that it was a love match rather than an arranged marriage. Their wedding followed just three months later, marking a new chapter in his life. Mathilde has since been a steadfast support for Filip, helping him navigate the complexities of royal duties. He has expressed admiration for her ability to connect with people, stating, "I draw enormous support from her. There’s something common in our family; when we are together, we laugh a lot. We have humor, and that is important to us." Together, they have welcomed four children: Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel, and Eléonore, who is set to turn 17 on April 16, 2025.
Filip finally became king in 2013 after Albert abdicated. His reign has been characterized by a commitment to modernization, including a greater presence on social media and a focus on connecting with the public. He has been praised for his handling of national crises, such as the Brussels attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, where he took on the role of a unifying figure, encouraging and supporting healthcare workers and citizens alike.
In recent years, Filip has shown a more spontaneous and humorous side, inviting comedian Philippe Geubels to his birthday celebration and participating in lighthearted videos with the national football team, the Rode Duivels. He has also made efforts to address Belgium's colonial past, including writing a letter of regret to the Congolese president regarding the atrocities committed under King Leopold II's rule.
As King Filip celebrates his 65th birthday, he reflects on his journey with a sense of fulfillment. He has stated, "I felt something click when I took the oath; I think people understood a bit more who I was. That was... phew... because I could finally be myself." This sentiment resonates as he invites the public to engage with him through their questions, continuing to bridge the gap between the monarchy and the people.
