Since 1965, the Royal Palace in Brussels has been open to the public during the summer. Officially, the Royal Family takes its holidays after the National Day on July 21, and the palace can be visited until the end of August. Admission is free, but prior registration on the website of the Belgian Monarchy is required.

Unfortunately, the palace will stay closed in 2023 to allow a renovation project to take place. It will only be more beautiful in 2024.

The Palace

In 1815, when the Vienna Congress reshaped the map of Europe, after the turmoil of the French Revolution and Napoleon’s military campaigns, Brussels became, together with The Hague, the capital of a new composite kingdom that was to fall apart in 1830.

As a capital without a palace, it was necessary to improvise without much money. Several private mansions from the period of Austrian possession were successively reunited. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the present large façade was completed and unified, overlooking the Parc de Bruxelles, separating the Royal Palace from the Parliament.

The monarchy

When Belgium separated from the Netherlands in 1830, the National Congress elected a king, choosing a German prince, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, who might have become King Consort of Great Britain had it not been for the death of his wife, Princess of Wales.

As King of the Belgians and not King of Belgium, the successive sovereigns tried to serve the unity of the country, divided by centrifugal linguistic forces. King Baudouin’s long reign of 42 years (1951-1993) consolidated a real popular empathy. His brother Albert succeeded him before abdicating in 2013 in favour of his son Philippe, whom his uncle Baudouin had prepared to succeed him.

Visitors are greeted in the main entrance hall by two full-length portraits of the king and queen.

Staircase of Honour

Located in the centre of the façade, the staircase provides access to the reception rooms on the first floor, as was the norm at the time. A statue of Peace dominates the landing halfway up. Gold is used throughout, setting the tone for the rest of the palace’s decoration.

The King’s office

The royal family does not live in the royal palace, but in the Château de Laeken, a short distance from the centre of Brussels, in a large park. Many official receptions are held at the palace as well as certain family events such as weddings.

However, the members of the family who have an official activity have an office and staff at the Royal Palace. The Salon des Maréchaux served as an office for four sovereigns. It is furnished with the desk used by King Albert I at Château de Laeken.

The Throne Room

Improperly so called as there is no throne. It is a large reception room, richly decorated to give more prestige to the events that take place there. The room is used, for example, to receive ambassadors when they are accredited to Brussels, which is also one of the European capitals.

The abdication of two kings and several royal weddings were held in this room. When it is open to the public, the space is used for exhibitions. The silhouette of King Baudouin can still be seen passing between the columns.

Salons

A series of salons of different sizes, decorated and furnished in various styles, complete the visit. They serve as a setting for the official activities of the royal family. These include the many visits of heads of state for whom protocol provides for an meeting with the sovereign.

They can also be moments of family life in which the public is involved. There are also many meetings or round tables that allow the king to be informed of the state of the country, in addition to his trips on site.