Crown Princess Elisabeth turned 18. This means the Duchess of Brabant can legally succeed her father.
Elisabeth came home from Wales on Thursday evening, 24 October.
In the morning there was an official celebration at the royal palace in Brussels, broadcast live on all official Belgian television stations.
Members of Elisabeth's family were present: her grandparents former King Albert II and former Queen Paola, her maternal grandmother Countess Anne Komorowska, her aunts & uncles Astrid, Laurent and Claire, and her godfather, Prince Amedeo.
Other attendants were people who've played an important role in Elisabeth's life, such as teachers from her Brussels school years at the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege and (retired) staff from court such as Elisabeth's former nannies.
"Dear Elisabeth,
Today you turn 18 - and we are very happy to celebrate this important moment together with you.
When I turned 18, I wondered about two things: Who am I? What can I do with my life? I know you feel the same, as do others who are 18. Because it is part of youth to look for your own way in life, and to try to make a difference.
Youth is once again a new source of energy for society. Your generation especially has a keen insight in the problems of our society, the climate and environmental issues that we are facing. You strive for a more just, a more fair society, one with more solidarity. You are all too aware that our natural resources aren't everlasting. You realize so well that we have to start living differently. It makes your generation critical, but also inventive and creative.
Like all young people, you long for freedom. To be free - to depend on yourself and to be responsible. To open up to others, to the unexpected, to the unknown. It means believing in yourself. But it also means accepting your own limitations and acknowledging your mistakes. To be free is to embrace your own life, and to steer it in the right direction.
Dear Elisabeth,
Your mother and I are very happy to have you as a daughter. We're proud of you, of the way you look at life. Don't be afraid to live fully, to grasp challenges with both hands. It are opportunities to get to know yourself and others. You have so much charisma, so many qualities - I'm certain you will bring happiness to the people who surround you.
Belgium's riches and strength originates from diversity and human capital.
The monarchy is first and foremost a human institution. It exists to serve, in the first place those who are most vulnerable. That's the true meaning of the expression "King of the Belgians". The monarchy's task is to bring out the best in everyone. Each King or Queen fulfills this task according to his or her own personality.
The Order of Leopold that I am about to hand to you, is a national order brought to life by our ancestor Leopold I. The order is part of our family history. It symbolizes our country's and our family's dignity. I hope you will see it as an encouragement and as a sign of the trust that's placed in you.
Happy birthday, my sweet Elisabeth. Spread your wings. Be happy. I wish this for you, as we all do, with all my heart."
There was a modern dance performance by the Antwerp Ballet School. Modern ballet is one of the Crown Princess's interests, she used to dance herself from the age of 5 until 16.
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Other Belgian teenagers who also celebrate their 18th birthday in October 2019 were invited to talk about how they see the future, and the future of their country. It was Elisabeth's personal request to give her own generation a voice in the celebration.
The 18-year-olds gave beautiful statements on developing one's self, on the prospect of having a female head of state, on keeping the peace after barely 75 years of not having lived a war in Belgium, of being an immigrant or a refugee, of chances for all and of daring to venture out and make mistakes.
King Philippe gave Belgium's highest order, the order of Leopold to his heir.
After a round of kisses from her family...
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... Elisabeth started her own speech, in the country's 3 languages: Dutch, French and German.
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am glad to celebrate my 18th birthday here with you all. I will always remember this special moment.
The past 18 years have been full of enriching moments. They have shaped me into the person I am today. To become 18 is a transition to adulthood. A moment for me to reflect on everything I learnt and all the chances I have been offered. Doing this, I can only feel gratitude.
First of all there's my family. They have always been there to support and encourage me. Together we're a strong team - also with my brothers and sister Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore. Thank you, mama, for being there and for listening. Thank you, papa, for your faith in me. I know I will always be able to count on you.
I also want to thank my teachers. It's nice to meet again today. Your knowledge and your contagious enthusiasm have broadened the way I look at the world and they have opened the way to arts, music and sports for me.
I am also happy that the Princess Elisabeth Hospital, with which I have a special bond, can be here today with a few of their patients.
And thank you, to those who celebrate their 18th birthday just like me - thank you for the beautiful messages you brought and all the other messages I received. They portray a clear view of the future and are proof of wisdom. I share your concern about the future, in particular about the climate, and I share your view that we have to bring a unified answer. I have faith in the future - because I see how much of an effort my generation makes. I share your hopes, and I share your intention to make a difference.
18 years ... It's a step I take with a lot of optimism. I know I have a lot to learn. It is what I will be doing the coming years: trying to understand the world better - and making a contribution in changing it for the better, by investing the best of me.
The country can count on me."
A few songs from Belgian singer Blanche marked the end of the ceremony.
Elisabeth led the other youngsters outside, for group pictures and a reception.
A report from a few of the young people who were invited.
All the young participants in the ceremony received a memento with Elisabeth's profile.
On Friday afternoon 500 Belgian aristocrats gathered at the Concert Noble in Brussels to celebrate the heir to the Belgian throne, who was present with her parents.
As a birthday gift, Elisabeth received a necklace from the ANRB. The money that was left after having bought the gift will be donated to a charity of Elisabeth's choice.
On Saturday & Sunday there are private celebrations for the birthday girl, at the castle of Laeken. A ball and dinner are on the agenda.
After her birthday weekend, Elisabeth has a week of school holidays. The family will leave for a week of holidays.
Very nice speeches by the King and the CPss. She is a very lovely young lady. Congratulations to the Royal couple for a job well done. The King did'nt had an easy childhood,but they have done a great job with their children. Also nice to see Prince Laurent hugging his niece. I wish her the best for the future, she will be a great Queen of the Belgians. The National Treasure CPss Elisabeth,of Belgium.
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