King and Queen attend annual Belgian military parade in London (photos)

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium honoured fallen compatriots from both World Wars at a traditional remembrance ceremony in London on Saturday.

The royal couple was joined by Belgian and British veterans alongside military detachments at the event.

Held at Whitehall’s Cenotaph, the parade usually takes place just before Belgium’s national day on 21 July.

Interestingly, the Belgian armed forces alone hold the distinction, among non-Commonwealth countries, of being able to parade in full uniform — and armed — in the streets of London.

This privilege was granted by King George V in 1934, in memory of his cousin, King Albert I, after his death – but also as a mark of gratitude for the valour and sacrifices of the Belgian Army during the First World War.

In pictures

King Philippe of Belgium pictured during an international ceremony for the commemoration of the Belgian soldiers that died during the two World Wars, London, United Kingdom, Saturday 13 July 2024. Credit: Belga / Bart Lenoir