Princess Delphine & Family, News & Events 1; 2020 - 2023

[Prinsara]

So... she's not Philippe's problem.

She's his sister.

 

[Marchesina]

I do not know if she is the most conservative but she seemingly has a cordial relationship with both her parents and perhaps does not want to get involved. If so that is of course her good right, she is under no obligation to meet her half-sister.

I wonder how things will evolve though. From what I have gathered from the official statement, this meeting won't be a one time thing. I think in the future we might have Delphine involved to private family events.
Do mind this is pure speculation, I was in fact proved wrong by Philippe, but will Astrid be willing to share the "stage" with her stepsister, knowing how close she is with her parents, and the role she apparently had in their reconciliation?

 

[maria-olivia]

A am not sure that Delphine will attend royal gatherings such as the King's feast on November 15th and Christmas Concert at the Royal Palace.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Both on instagram as on facebook the post of the King and Delphine has broken the record for most 'likes' on a message from the Belgian royal family, over 13.000 and 12.000 respectively, according to the Telegraaf.

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The press is unanimously positive. HLN talks about 'the royal welcome she deserved' while de Morgen says 'He can do it after all' - a reference to the 1991 remarks by former court marshall Herman Liebaerts, who said about Filip: 'he can't do it'. The photo of the two is on the cover of all Belgian newspapers.

It's great the way Philippe has proven his many detractors completely wrong. He was called dim witted and completely lacking in abilities. When he married he was praised for choosing so well, but people predicted that he would be completely dominated by Mathilde .

Instead, the two of them have made a solid loving team. The family they have made together seems almost idyllic. There has never been even a hint of controversy or scandal. They are not Europe's most glamorous or famous Royals but seriously...why would they want that anyway?

 

[Prinsara]

I wonder how things will evolve though. From what I have gathered from the official statement, this meeting won't be a one time thing. I think in the future we might have Delphine involved to private family events.
Do mind this is pure speculation, I was in fact proved wrong by Philippe, but will Astrid be willing to share the "stage" with her stepsister, knowing how close she is with her parents, and the role she apparently had in their reconciliation?

Astrid has no reason to meet Delphine as long as her parents don't, so there is that. She also lives in another country, for another factor. They can even be invited to the same events and not speak. If Albert somehow does voluntarily meet Delphine, then I guess it's up to Astrid. It would be a civil thing to do, but, honestly, I doubt people are holding their breaths on this one. She's not Philippe; it doesn't signify much.

 

[Marengo]

King Albert II has released a statement this afternoon, saying that he is 'happy' that Princess Delphine has been received by his son:

'I fully support the communiqué that was released by the king and princess Delphine and I agree with the thought behind this message. My wife and I are happy about the initiative of the king, the start of better times for us all and especially for Delphine'.

The statement was released by the palace on behalf of king Albert.

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/10/16/reax-koning-albert/

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201016_95472545

The Belgian RF really makes us go from one surprise to the next, we are going from one jaw-dropping moment to the next.

 

[Prinsara]

King Albert II has released a statement this afternoon, saying that he is 'happy' that Princess Delphine has been received by his son:

'I fully support the communiqué that was released by the king and princess Delphine and I agree with the thought behind this message. My wife and I are happy about the initiative of the king, the start of better times for us all and especially for Delphine'.

The statement was released by the palace on behalf of king Albert.

Okay....?

Forget what I said about not holding your breath!

Edit: I didn't hear an apology in any of that, Your Majesty.
Al, unless you have just apologized AT LENGTH to EVERY ONE of your children, you do not get to join in on the happy times.

 

[Marchesina]

A am not sure that Delphine will attend royal gatherings such as the King's feast on November 15th and Christmas Concert at the Royal Palace.

I am not thinking about "tomorrow", but all in due time, little by little. Starting from the Commemoration Mass for the deceased members of the RF (not this year probably), for example...if she is equal to her siblings, and the King - the Head of the Family - recognizes her as such, why not?

 

[Marchesina]

King Albert II has released a statement this afternoon, saying that he is 'happy' that Princess Delphine has been received by his son:

'I fully support the communiqué that was released by the king and princess Delphine and I agree with the thought behind this message. My wife and I are happy about the initiative of the king, the start of better times for us all and especially for Delphine'.

The statement was released by the palace on behalf of king Albert.

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/10/16/reax-koning-albert/

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201016_95472545

The Belgian RF really makes us go from one surprise to the next...

Oh boy, if Philippe's meeting with his sister was unexpected, what do I call this, now?

 

[Prinsara]

Oh boy, if Philippe's meeting with his sister was unexpected, what do I call this, now?

Albert trying to ride Philippe's good press? There's nothing about him communicating with Delphine yet.

 

[Marengo]

Let's hope it is a genuine feeling of King Albert and that the recent verdicts made the old king reflect upon the situation. Although more cynical minds may think that the palace has firmly taken control of this situation in a damage limitation exercise. In the documentary on king Filip it was already said that baron Frans van Daele -chef de cabinet of King Filip- is known to be very talented, intelligent and persuasive, one of the best civil servants of the country.

 

[Prinsara]

I remain firmly cynical. Albert or his handlers picked the opportune moment to wave a truce flag from the outhouse. I think it was the ecstatic outpouring of support that persuaded his beleaguered, cowardly self, not his oldest and youngest meeting without his permission.

...who issues a press statement before you actually GO AND SPEAK TO YOUR CHILD? Y'know, the one you refused to speak to, that caused all of this in the first place...? But now you're completely happy about?

There have been several days between the court verdict and the announcement yesterday. Has Albert tried to speak to her? No, he hasn't, because we would know. This is trying to ride Philippe's coattails before he gets completely left out of the family reunion.

Perhaps we're in for an Albert-Delphine meeting this weekend, fine. But I think it speaks volumes of Albert that he would let Philippe try to mend his messes with Delphine prior and post-the kids' meeting (and likely not consult Philippe about much).

 

[Marchesina]

Albert trying to ride Philippe's good press? There's nothing about him communicating with Delphine yet.

Yes, grasping at straws was my other option

 

[Prinsara]

Let's hope it is a genuine feeling of King Albert and that the recent verdicts made the old king reflect upon the situation. Although more cynical minds may think that the palace has firmly taken control of this situation in a damage limitation exercise. In the documentary on king Filip it was already said that baron Frans van Daele -chef de cabinet of King Filip- is known to be very talented, intelligent and persuasive, one of the best civil servants of the country.

If it were "damage control" or even coercion on Philippe part's to get Albert to appear cooperative, it really could have waited till next week — more news then and no one is that eager to hear from Albert just now. If it were true intelligence and persuasion, the old man would hug Delphine in front of cameras, cry, and the ratings would go bananas. (Probably not happening, but who knows? )

Like this, it just smacks of piggybacking, and not pleasantly.

 

[Skippy]

I am very hesitant with this "approval" from King Albert.

For the legal part: I suppose this means he accepts the final verdict and won't appeal it in cassation [in some reports after the final Court of Appeal verdict it was mentioned that he has (had?) that possibility].

 

[Prinsara]

Trying to explain King Albert yesterday, in twelve words:

"Does he have other kids?" "Yes!"
"Does he treat them better?" "No!"

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Astrid has no reason to meet Delphine as long as her parents don't, so there is that. She also lives in another country, for another factor.

Delphine Boël stated in a 2004 interview that she and James O'Hare had moved back to Belgium. Princess Astrid, of course, always has lived in Belgium apart from a period from 1984 to 1993 when she lived with her husband in Switzerland.

 

[Prinsara]

Delphine Boël stated in a 2004 interview that she and James O'Hare had moved back to Belgium. Princess Astrid, of course, always has lived in Belgium apart from a period from 1984 to 1993 when she lived with her husband in Switzerland.

I just assumed she lived in Austria. My mistake.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

I just assumed she lived in Austria. My mistake.

If you mean Princess Astrid, as far as I know she has no links to Austria, apart from marrying a former dual French and Austrian citizen (now a dual Belgian and French citizen) who was born and raised in France.

The princess has been an active working royal since 1993 at the request of her uncle King Baudouin, which naturally required her to live in Belgium.

 

[Prinsara]

Just for curiosity's sake, what would be the last thing Albert did that got as much acclaim as Philippe meeting Delphine? (Positive Flemish republican separatists included, if possible?)

 

[Benjamin]

Was not Princess Astrid rather instrumental in repairing the relationship between her father and mother?

If so, she might not be inclined to form a relationship with her half-sister.

 

[principessa]

I guess the next steps for them to learn each other are meetings between Philippe, Mathilde, Delphine and James. And then they bring their children together.

 

[Countessmeout]

Now that Delphine has the title of Princess, will the press refer to King Philippe as her brother or as her half brother?

Half-brother vs brother has nothing to do with her royal status.

They still only share one parent. Her being recognized as Albert's daughter doesn't make her Paola's child.

 

[leidi]

LOL Albert (and Paola) doing damage control trying to ride the positivity of Philippe's gesture.
Sorry but it's a no from me, too obvious IMO.
He has never been a good father, he's not going to start in his 80s.

I remain firmly cynical. Albert or his handlers picked the opportune moment to wave a truce flag from the outhouse. I think it was the ecstatic outpouring of support that persuaded his beleaguered, cowardly self, not his oldest and youngest meeting without his permission.

...who issues a press statement before you actually GO AND SPEAK TO YOUR CHILD? Y'know, the one you refused to speak to, that caused all of this in the first place...? But now you're completely happy about?

There have been several days between the court verdict and the announcement yesterday. Has Albert tried to speak to her? No, he hasn't, because we would know. This is trying to ride Philippe's coattails before he gets completely left out of the family reunion.

Perhaps we're in for an Albert-Delphine meeting this weekend, fine. But I think it speaks volumes of Albert that he would let Philippe try to mend his messes with Delphine prior and post-the kids' meeting (and likely not consult Philippe about much).

That's pretty much Albert's MO: let other fix his messes.
Happened with his brother, with his eldest daughter (who was the one who pushed him and Paola to reconciliation), now his eldest son has to come and fix his parental messes...

 

[Prinsara]

Should we take bets on maybe hoping there is some sort of professional counseling involved somewhere in all of this, or does this family clearly not "do" therapy, ever? Not that we would know if they did, unless they chose to thank someone.

I think Philippe and Delphine could manage just fine by themselves. Really not sure about Albert getting involved.

 

[tommy100]

Wow a lot has gone on since I last checked in at this thread lol.

Admire Philippe for meeting Delphine, it was a lovely gesture and releasing a photo was a huge step as they could so easily have just said it took place and was private

I do worry about people talking about "the next meeting" etc, Philippe has done a huge thing and if it stopped at this I would still admire him. I think we all need to let them deal with this however they want and that includes Laurent and Astrid and I would totally be fine if Philippe doesn't meet Delphine again and Astrid never does. As long as they all remain dignified and keep it to themselves.

Albert's statement - hmmm well he could so easily have been warmer to Delphine himself before now. It seems to me as if, seeing how people have responded so well to the meeting he is trying to get in on that. I wonder what Paola things about all this if he has been keeping distant from Delphine for Paola's sake as is often said.


In all:

Philippe and Delphine come out of this looking good and hopefully feeling better about the situation and with each other

Albert comes out of this looking worse IMO

 

[Denville]

Wow a lot has gone on since I last checked in at this thread lol.

Admire Philippe for meeting Delphine, it was a lovely gesture and releasing a photo was a huge step as they could so easily have just said it took place and was private

I do worry about people talking about "the next meeting" etc, Philippe has done a huge thing and if it stopped at this I would still admire him. I think we all need to let them deal with this however they want and that includes Laurent and Astrid and I would totally be fine if Philippe doesn't meet Delphine again and Astrid never does. As long as they all remain dignified and keep it to themselves.

Albert's statement - hmmm well he could so easily have been warmer to Delphine himself before now. It seems to me as if, seeing how people have responded so well to the meeting he is trying to get in on that. I wonder what Paola things about all this if he has been keeping distant from Delphine for Paola's sake as is often said.


In all:

Philippe and Delphine come out of this looking good and hopefully feeling better about the situation and with each other

Albert comes out of this looking worse IMO

Probalby if he had not rejectied Delphine she would never have progressed to what she did, and ended up as a Princess. So his arrogant heartless behaviour has had the exact opposite effect to what he hoped for. He is less liked than ever and she is now recognised as his daughter and has a royal rank....

 

[Skippy]

Probalby if he had not rejectied Delphine she would never have progressed to what she did, and ended up as a Princess. So his arrogant heartless behaviour has had the exact opposite effect to what he hoped for. He is less liked than ever and she is now recognised as his daughter and has a royal rank....

That is exactly what she said, his cold admission and denial of any involvement spurred her to do it. She never expected to win, but did think he would reach out to her somewhere along the route.

To add: in the acknowledgement last January that she is his biological daughter it said something along the lines of: "have shown that King Albert is the biological father of Madame Delphine Boël, which he did not know."

The last part after the comma is stunning: what does (did) he mean with *that*?
Trying to save face? Of course he knew what happened there in the late 1960s.
If someone else noticed that, too, and has said something about it - please refer me.

I suppose that was a Saxe-Cobourg trait, and now Delphine has joined those ranks.

 

[rominet09]

Damage control after all these years of procedure !

 

[Tarlita]

I am absolutely delighted that Philippe made this step. I thought exactly this after the court case. I thought wouldn't it be nice if ... never really thinking it would happen. And so soon after the court case.
Philippe showing he is his own man and won't be pushed around.
At last a good news story in this horrible year.