Flashback: Birth of Gabriel

Monday 19 August 2003

In the early evening, Princess Mathilde arrived at the Erasme Hospital in Brussels to give birth to her second child.

Tuesday 20 August 2003

At 1:15 in the morning, a Prince is born. 

The news is announced in the morning. The press has been given the name of the Prince: Gabriel Baudouin Charles Marie. He weighs 4 kilos and measures 52 cm. He has blond hair and blue eyes. 

Prince Philippe talks to the press:

"My wife and I are feeling very tired. Of course there's the actual birth, but also all the feelings involved in this happy event. Because Gabriel is our second child, we knew more or less how things would evolve, but our emotions are still completely overwhelming."

While Elisabeth was born by cesarean, Gabriel's birth was natural. 
Philippe:"I was present throughout and tried to support my wife where I could. I can assure you that I respect my wife even more after this unforgettable night. 

Did the Princess have an epidural, the press wanted to know.
Philippe: "The technical details belong to our private life". He assured that apart from the fatigue, Mathilde was doing well.

The couple had known beforehand they were having a boy this time but kept it a secret: "A typical secret between a couple. We like that sort of thing".

About the name, Gabriel, a new one in the family line: "We both love the name Gabriel. It's firm and strong. And it's a name that's shared by christianity, judaism and islam. A name that unites. We love uniting symbols. The second name, Baudouin, is in honour of my uncle Baudouin."

Finally Prince Philippe also described his new child: "He looks a lot like his sister. And he has very big hands and feet. You can tell he will grow up to be very big and strong."

Later in the day Philippe went to fetch Elisabeth (1,5) who met her baby brother for the first time.

The grandparents also came to visit.

Wednesday 21 August 2003

Elisabeth visiting her baby brother and mama again. It was grandma Anne who brought her to hospital.

Mathilde's sister, Countess Hélène d'Udekem, also came to visit.

Thursday 22 August 2003

Photo shoot at the hospital.

 

Saturday 24 August 2003

Leaving hospital. 

Arriving at home, Laeken, where little Elisabeth & her nanny were waiting.