The Young Royals Vote in the Elections

9 June 2024

Today elections were held in Belgium: a combined election day for European, federal and regional votes. As voting is compulsory in Belgium for anyone from the age of 18 years onwards, we were certain to see a few royal voters at the ballot station. 

Crown Princess Elisabeth (22), Prince Gabriel (20) and Prince Emmanuel (18) turned up at their local station in Laeken. It was the first time they had to cast their vote in an election. Princess Eléonore (16) was out to cast her vote in the European elections, which in Belgium was mandatory for anyone aged 16 onwards.

The young royals had to queue for about 40 minutes before it was their turn, even though they got there early in the morning.

Elisabeth was wearing a Mango top and a handbag by Ba&sh. Eléonore was wearing a top by Indee.

Les princes et princesses ont rempli leur devoir citoyen à Laeken #elections2024 pic.twitter.com/ctxs6iscFx

— BelgaVideo (@BelgaVideo) June 9, 2024

🇧🇪 ELECTIONS IN BELGIUM

👑 Children of Belgian King Philippe/Queen Mathilde -among them Crown Princess Elisabeth- voted for the 1st time.

👉 They had to join the queue like everyone else (40’)
👉 They voted electronically in Laeken
👉 King and Queen don’t vote to remain neutral pic.twitter.com/E8LGZptHXI

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) June 9, 2024

In the afternoon, former King Albert II and Queen Paola also showed up at the ballot station. 

Only the reigning King and Queen are expected not to vote, to stay neutral. However as long as they were crown prince and princess, Philippe & Mathilde did their civic duty.