Sunday 22 May 2016

Belgium's Royals Remember


King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians lead their Royal Family in remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of March 22nd 2016

Belgium's Royal Family took part in a memorial service for the victims of the March 22nd terrorist attacks today. At the ceremony, held at the Royal Palace in Brussels, they heard King Philippe talk about the strength shown by those affected by the attacks and his call to use the strength that people had shown to create a better world.



The ceremony took place on Sunday morning and was attended by families of those killed in the attacks at Brussels Airport and Maelbeek Metro station on March 22nd 2016 as well as by survivors and members of the emergency services who had helped in the aftermath of the attacks,  The Belgian Prime Minister and leading politicians also took part.




King Philippe and Queen Mathilde led the Royal Family with King Albert II and Queen Paola entering just behind them. Princess Astrid, Prince Lorenz, Prince Laurent and Princess Claire were also at the service.

King Philippe addressed the ceremony, telling those present that he and Queen Mathilde had been deeply moved by the stories of those affected and by the accounts of their actions, adding that 'we are here at the Royal Palace to express the support and gratitude of the entire Belgian people'.
King Philippe recalled his visit to Maelbeek station after the attacks where he read messages left by wellwishers including one which read 'love is strong'. He praised those who had been affected and those who had helped following the attacks for their strength and dignity. And he ended by urging everyone to try to make a better world.


The Belgian Royal Family also met and spoke with many of those attending the ceremony in a moving morning filled with solemn and poignant moments.

Photo credit: @monarchiebe Twitter.
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