King Philippe of Belgium highlights ‘the power of hope’ in Christmas speech recorded at Laeken Royal Palace in Brussels
King Philippe of Belgium today delivered his annual Christmas speech at the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium.
In his speech, Philippe, 63, emphasized the “power of hope” as a means to navigate this year's “dark times” – citing wars in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan and the Central -East.
“Our thoughts are with the countless victims of unbearable acts of terrorism and war,” Philippe said in the speech broadcast on national television and radio channels.
The message was pre-recorded in French, Dutch and German to reflect the three official languages of Belgium.
It is usually said during a Christmas carol concert organized by the Belgian royal family, in which they thank the royal staff for their services. But this year the family will not give a concert due to the ongoing renovation work at the Royal Palace.
King Philippe of Belgium has delivered his annual Christmas speech at the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium
The King praised Belgium as a society that embraces interculturalism, where people with different backgrounds and beliefs shape the future together.
However, he admitted that “violence due to exclusion, discrimination and racism still persists in our society” and recognized the need to overcome these challenges and promote a more open-minded nation.
“Violence breeds fear, it fuels fear and a sense of powerlessness in the face of an uncertain future,” Philippe said in response to geopolitical shifts and the climate challenge.
Nevertheless, the king emphasized the importance of “the power of hope,” which he described as a “life-giving force” that can “remove the fear and anxiety that discourages and paralyzes, and even leads to violence.”
He explained that hope drives us along a path illuminated by those who uphold democracy, participate in listening and discussion, and show respect for others.
'It is an energy that we draw from ourselves, strengthened by those who are actively committed to a better world.'
A special recommendation was made to individuals committed to social justice and peace. In addition, recognition was given to those committed to harnessing the benefits of scientific and technological solutions, especially in the context of the energy transition.
Philippe also addressed the next generation and expressed his wish that future Belgians have the opportunity 'to build a better future'.
Concluding his speech, he said: “Besides my wife, Queen Mathilde, our children and my entire family, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium was effortlessly stylish in an azure dress as she joined her siblings and parents for a Christmas reception at the Royal Palace in Brussels
The palace welcomed around a hundred volunteers, staff and people supported by organizations the King and Queen have been involved with over the years for the event.
The royals took a group photo with the guests, and other sweet photos of the family show them standing by a decorative Christmas tree — and later among the red seasonal flowers
It comes after King Philippe, 63, attended a Christmas reception with his wife Queen Mathilde, 50, and children Princess Elisabeth, 22, Prince Emmanuel, 18, and Princess Eleonore, 15.
The palace welcomed around a hundred volunteers, staff and people supported by organizations the King and Queen have been involved with over the years for the event.
It replaces the annual Christmas concert, which cannot take place this year due to renovations to the hall.
The royal family took a group photo with the guests, and in other sweet snapshots of the family they can be seen near a decorative Christmas tree – and later among the red seasonal flowers.
Elisabeth was elegant as ever in a cobalt blue dress with a turtleneck and some simple black boots.
She kept her makeup festive and cheerful with a smoky eye, and wore her loose waves down for the occasion.
Meanwhile, her mother, Mathilde, lit up the room in a glitzy gold coat embroidered with floral motifs.
She buttoned it up over a pair of chic black culottes and stiletto heels, styling her blonde locks back.
Her youngest daughter Eleonore showed she was following her family's fashion sensibilities with trendy red pants and a black sequin top.
She used her sister's glitzy eye makeup and kept her blonde locks styled in loose waves.
Elsewhere, Philippe opted for a navy suit with a colorful paisley print tie, matching his son Emmanuel's simple yet formal look.
The royals also have a second son – Gabriel, 20 – who is currently enrolled at the Royal Military Academy of Belgium and has not appeared