Gabriel's Official Start of the Year at ERM

13 October 2022

Prince Gabriel participated in his promotion's official entry of the new academy year at the Ecole Royale Militaire.

The parade took place at the Esplanade of the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.

Among the family members of the young student officers were King Philippe & Queen Mathilde, former King Albert II, Prince Emmanuel (17) and Princess Eléonore (14).

Like his sister before him, Gabriel chose a Dutch speaking group at the Academy. During the ceremony he read a short text to the public: "Mijn collega’s en ik zijn ons bewust van de tucht en de inspanningen die de Koninklijke Militaire School van ons zal vergen. 

🇧🇪 Prince Gabriël, 19, participates at the opening of the academic year of the Military Academy.

✅ Arrival of his siblings Emmanuel, 17, and Eléonore, 14.

❌ Absent: sister Elisabeth, 20 (returned to Oxford for her studies History and Politics at Lincoln College). pic.twitter.com/jFVQgwmsCQ

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) October 13, 2022

Crown Princess Elisabeth is back in Oxford, continuing her studies in history and politics. Queen Paola was unable to attend due to a fall a few days earlier. She's been ordered rest by the doctor.

After the ceremony there was time for family photos.