Latest news with #KingAlbertII
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Albert of Belgium's love child Princess Delphine criticised for 'inappropriate' National Day outfit with thigh-high split - after previously being snubbed from royal life
King Albert II of Belgium's daughter yesterday drew attention to herself due to her 'inappropriate' National Day outfit, which highlighted the work of a non-binary designer. Princess Delphine, born from an 18-year affair between the former monarch, 90, who abdicated in 2013, and Belgian aristocrat Sybille de Selys Longchamps, 83, attended the Brussels-based event in an ensemble created by Benjamin Voortmans, a young Belgian designer. However, the red dress's daring thigh-high split received some negative speculation from royal fans, with one stating that the outfit was 'inappropriate' for the patriotic occasion. Independence Day celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, as well as the formal establishment of the Kingdom. Revealing details of her ensemble on Instagram, Delphine, 57, wrote, 'To celebrate Belgium on our National Day, I proudly wore a creation by @judassime (Benjamin Voortmans), a talented young Belgian designer and multidisciplinary, non-binary artist. 'We connect through a shared artistic language: transforming pain into beauty. I chose his work not only for his talent, but because it carries a message - one of tolerance, open-mindedness, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. 'I'm deeply affected by bullying and violence against those who don't fit the mould. This outfit stands for difference, freedom, and love. Viva la différence!' Despite Delphine taking a positive stand for the LGBTQIA+ community through her dress choice, some found the ensemble to be unfitting for the occasion. Taking to X, one said, 'Unfortunate and inappropriate, just to say the least.' A second wrote, 'Raunchy and inelegant.' A third added, 'This is not an outfit a princess would wear for a national event.' While a fourth said, 'When I saw the photos was so inappropriate.' For decades, the former King distanced himself from Princess Delphine and her mother to preserve his marriage. After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself. In 2013, the same year King Albert abdicated the throne due to health reasons and was succeeded by his son King Philippe, Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020. Now, Delphine has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family as are her two children Princess Joséphine of Belgium and Prince Oscar of Belgium, who she shares with partner James O'Hare. Speaking to Tatler in 2023, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him. She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said, 'You don't just have a child and kick it.' Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, Crown Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel of Belgium are seen attending the Te Deum mass on Belgian National Day yesterday Reflecting on her seven-year legal battle, Delphine said the action she brought was not about money or status but 'principles'. Delphine has started attending royal engagements and said her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness. When she launched her legal action in 2013, she told Belgian radio show Matin Premiere, 'I feel like I have a right to exist. Not to exist in the royal family but as me. 'My decision to call for help through the law, I feel today that it was the right thing to do... The judicial system said that I was right and that I had the right to exist.' Since the legal action has been settled, Princess Delphine has slowly become integrated into the Belgian royal family. She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium, who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.' When she was granted her royal title Princess Delphine was also invited to Belvédère Castle in Brussels where she had an official meeting with her father and his wife Queen Paola. Elsewhere yesterday, Belgium's Royal Family appeared in high spirits as they celebrated National Day on Monday. Royal fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts on Delphine's outfit - and one dubbed it 'inappropriate' Queen Mathilde, 52, who put on a stunning display in red for the celebration, posed alongside King Philippe as they arrived at the Te Deum mass at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels. The mother-of-four looked chic in a flowing, red dress, which featured a floral pattern and an off-the-shoulder neckline, while Philippe, 65, looked dapper in a military uniform. She was joined by her daughters, Crown Princess Elisabeth, 23, and 17-year-old Princess Eleonore, who both donned bright and bold shades of green for the celebration. Elisabeth opted for a bright lime shade while her younger sister donned a mid-length dress in a darker colour. Their brothers, Prince Gabriel, 21, and Prince Emmanuel, 19, looked equally smart in matching pinstripe trousers and black tailcoats. The royal family attends the mass ceremony in Brussels every year in an annual tradition. It comes afte r Delphine said she feels 'very sorry' for the Duke of Sussex in a recent podcast. Talking in It's Reigning Man with host Daniel Rosney, the 57-year-old said she follows Prince Harry's circumstances in the news because of her admiration for Princess Diana. 'Lady Diana was a part of my life when I was in England,' Delphine, who previously lived in London but has since relocated to Brussels, said, adding, 'She was just sunshine, in the news especially.' Delphine claimed that Diana's sudden death was complicated for Harry to process, and that speculation over his life since he left for Montecito with his former actress wife, Meghan, counts as 'bullying'. Speaking in the podcast, Delphine said, 'I feel very sorry for Harry, because I think that was traumatic for him. 'I think Harry has suffered so much,' she said, continuing, 'He was traumatised, and it's coming out now. She added, 'I understand the guy. He's just traumatised, and so he's doing these things and everyone is just bullying him but not thinking about his trauma, and I just find it terrible.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess of Belgium Defends Prince Harry Amid 'Terrible' Family Feud
Originally appeared on E! Online Princess Delphine is stepping up for Prince Harry. Amid the Duke of Sussex's ongoing fight for security clearance in the United Kingdom—five years after he and wife left the royal family—the Belgium princess expressed her empathy. 'I understand the guy, he's just traumatized,' Princess Delphine explained on the It's Reigning Men podcast July 15. 'He's doing these things and everyone is bullying him, but not thinking about his trauma and I just find it terrible because I feel like he's been kind of left.' Indeed, the 57-year-old—who was born out of an extramarital affair of King Albert II and spent years fighting for royal recognition until it was granted in 2020—posited that Harry, dad to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, is still suffering from the 1997 death of his and Prince William's mother . 'She had these children and the death was just horrible,' Delphine continued. 'Especially seeing these two children, left by a really natural, nice, normal motherly woman. So they lost such an important figure and I feel very sorry for Harry because I think that was traumatic for him.' More from E! Online Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Put on Leave After Coldplay Concert Video NFL Star Ryan Russell's Boyfriend Corey O'Brien Shares Steamy Relationship Update Chris Hemsworth's Mini-Me Twin Sons Steal Spotlight in Rare Red Carpet Appearance Delphine went so far as to express her belief that Harry's fight for his family's royal security protection is a result of the late princess' death, adding, 'It's to do with what happened to his mother.' And while Harry lost his latest appeal for security clearance in May, Delphine argued that the legal system was not understanding of the 40-year-old's life experience. 'They say, 'Well he's a grown up now,'' she continued. 'You're never a grown up, you're still the child, even if you're 70 and you still have your parents, you're still the child.' The Belgium princess admitted that while she does not pay much attention to other royal family news, she has a soft spot for both Harry and William. As she put it, 'I feel very sort of protective of them because I feel like I grew up with them.' For his part, Harry has also expressed hope that he can end the longstanding feud between himself and his father, King Charles III, but his fight for security clearance has exacerbated the tension. 'He won't speak to me because of this security stuff,' Harry explained during a May interview with the BBC. 'But it would be nice to reconcile.' While Charles himself has yet to publicly extend his own olive branch, Harry's chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, was photographed July 13 with the king's communications secretary, Tobyn Andrae—signaling a public reconciliation could be brewing. In the meantime, keep reading for more updates on royal family matters around the world… Queen Camilla Makes History with New Royal TitleKate Middleton Pulls Out of Royal AscotPrince Harry Loses Appeal to Dismiss Decision in His Security Protection CasePrince Harry and King Charles III Are Not SpeakingKing Charles III Shares Insight Into His Cancer DiagnosisPrince William and Kate Middleton's Family Skips Royal Family's Easter ServiceRoyal Aide Who Accused Meghan Markle Of Bullying Receives a PromotionPrince George Makes His First Public Appearance of 2025Former Bodyguard to Prince Harry and Prince William DiesThe Duke and Duchess of Westminster Expecting Their First BabyLuxembourg's Prince Fredrik Dies at 22Prince Harry Reaches Settlement in U.K. Tabloids LawsuitKate Middleton Is in Remission After Finishing Chemotherapy for CancerMeghan Markle's Longtime Dog Guy DiesPrince William Mourns Death of Former Nanny's StepsonMeghan Markle Rejoins Instagram to Reveal New Netflix Show For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Prince Harry is 'bullied' by public who ignore his 'trauma', Belgian Princess says
The love child of King Albert II of Belgium has said she feels 'very sorry' for the Duke of Sussex. Princess Delphine, the result of an 18-year affair between the former monarch, 90, who abdicated in 2013, and Belgian aristocrat Sybille de Selys Longchamps, 83, commented on the British Royal Family in a new podcast episode. Talking in the It's Reigning Man with host Daniel Rosney, the 57-year-old said she follows Prince Harry's circumstances in the news because of her admiration for Princess Diana. ' Lady Diana was a part of my life when I was in England,' Delphine, who previously lived in London but has since relocated to Brussels, said, adding, 'She was just sunshine, in the news especially.' Delphine claimed that Diana's sudden death was complicated for Harry to process, and that speculation over his life since he left for Montecito with his former actress wife, Meghan Markle, counts as 'bullying'. Speaking in the podcast, Delphine said, 'I feel very sorry for Harry, because I think that was traumatic for him. 'I think Harry has suffered so much,' she said, continuing, 'He was traumatised, and it's coming out now. She added, 'I understand the guy. He's just traumatised, and so he's doing these things and everyone is just bullying him but not thinking about his trauma, and I just find it terrible.' For decades, the former King distanced himself from Princess Delphine and her mother to preserve his marriage. After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself. In 2013, the same year King Albert abdicated the throne due to health reasons and was succeeded by his son King Philippe, Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020. Now Delphine has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family as are her two children Princess Joséphine of Belgium and Prince Oscar of Belgium who she shares with partner James O'Hare. Speaking to Tatler in 2023, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him. She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said, 'You don't just have a child and kick it.' Reflecting on her seven-year legal battle, Delphine said the action she brought was not about money or status but 'principles'. Delphine has started attending royal engagements and said her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness. When she launched her legal action in 2013, she told Belgian radio show Matin Premiere, 'I feel like I have a right to exist. Not to exist in the royal family but as me. 'My decision to call for help through the law, I feel today that it was the right thing to do... The judicial system said that I was right and that I had the right to exist.' Since the legal action has been settled, Princess Delphine has slowly become integrated into the Belgian royal family. She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting. ' When she was granted her royal title Princess Delphine was also invited to Belvédère Castle in Brussels where she had an official meeting with her father and his wife Queen Paola. It comes after the chief executive of Prince Harry's Invictus Games said Royal Family are 'very much welcome' at the next event in 2027. The statement came after Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed that Montecito-based Prince Harry, 40, is to extend an olive branch to his family by inviting them to the games, which will take place in Birmingham. When asked whether members of the ruling family are due to attend, Helen Helliwell told People, 'We'd be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years.' Should they accept the invitation, it would mark the first time members of the Royal Family have attended the Invictus Games since its inception in 2014. Harry founded Invictus with the support of his father, King Charles and brother Prince William, as well as other senior royals, to support and encourage wounded military personnel. Helliwell added that she would be similarly pleased if Harry and Meghan attend the event in two years. 'We will be delighted if they come over for the year out and for the Games,' Helen said, adding, 'We are so far out it's impossible for one individual to confirm their plans, but we would be delighted if the Duke were able to come.' Reports from The Telegraph claimed that Harry sent an email invitation to Charles and other senior royals last month, which will be followed by a formal invitation at a later date. Sources said the timing of the invitation was designed to give the family the best possible chance of attending, given that Charles is known to draw up his schedule up to three years in advance. But the extraordinary move, which could see Harry pictured with the Royal Family for the first time since the late Queen's funeral, has raised eyebrows among some commentators. Ingrid Seward said: 'The King might attend to show support for the Armed Forces and congratulate Harry on the most significant success in his life. 'The only reason the King is wary of associating with his son is that he no longer trusts him not to repeat their private conversations as he has done in the past. This goes for all the working members of the family.' Fellow royal commentator Katie Nicholl added: 'The King absolutely wants a relationship with his youngest son and with his grandchildren. 'He has an incredible capacity for forgiveness and he wants to be magnanimous in all of this and therefore there's certainly a possibility that the King might consider attending Invictus.' Despite the Royals' previously strong support for Invictus, the invitation – should anyone choose to accept it – is likely to cause some headaches for Royal aides as it involves a major scheduling conflict. The Games are set to open at Birmingham's NEC on July 12, 2027, and will conclude on July 17 – the day Queen Camilla turns 80 – for which there are likely to already be some celebrations planned. It also remains to be seen whether the Duke would risk bringing Meghan and their children Archie, six, and four-year-old Lilibet, to the UK for the event, having previously insisted he could not do so unless the family were offered 'full police protection'. 'Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family,' a source told The Mail on Sunday. 'Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part. Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans. 'The Royals have always been hugely supportive of Invictus and proud of what Harry has achieved in that arena. This is one olive branch from him which might be reciprocated.' Harry made it clear in a BBC interview in May that he would welcome a rapprochement with his father and with the wider family, despite acknowledging the hurt caused by his brutally honest memoir, Spare. 'There's no point in continuing to fight any more,' he said. 'Life is precious.' He added: 'Forgiveness is 100 per cent a possibility because I would like to get my father and brother back.' The Invictus invitations are thought to represent the first time Harry has publicly reached out in a bid to gather his family together. The invitees and the wording of the invitations are said to have been approved by Harry, with the emails being sent to private secretaries at the Palace. The Games are expected to bring significant economic and social benefit to Birmingham.
