Today marks the 65th wedding anniversary of the former King and Queen of Belgium. The couple celebrated the milestone in France.
Former King Albert II and Queen Paola are marking their diamond anniversary at their residence in the south of France. "65 years ago, they said yes!" read a post on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Royal Family.
To celebrate, the family convened at the royal holiday home in Cannes last weekend. The villa, 'Le Romarin', has stunning views of the ocean and has been described as a "small village" by locals. The property stretches over dozens of hectares and includes three buildings, farming land and a swimming pool.
Whilst official photos were released showing the Belgian royals gathered for the 60th anniversary in 2019, this time the Palace did not share any photos of the event. "It is a private affair," officials told VRT.
The Royal Family in 2019. Credit: X
The pair married in 1959. Paola was an Italian princess and Albert was not heir but assumed the throne when his older brother King Baudouin died of a heart attack in 1993. He abdicated in 2013 and Albert was succeeded by his son Philippe.
Albert and Paola's marriage has not been without upheaval; a divorce was reportedly considered for 20 years as the relationship was tested. However, the royal couple say they have worked out their differences. "We had our problems, but we were made for each other," the Queen has stated.
