Famous Belgian Emperors & Kings

Leopold I of Belgium began his professional life by serving in the Imperial Russian Army, fighting against Napoleon. After moving to the United Kingdom, he married Princess Charlotte of Wales. Following the Greek War of Independence, he declined the throne of Greece but accepted the throne of Belgium in 1831. As King of the Belgians, Leopold focused on diplomatic connections, economic modernization, and maintaining political stability. He played a crucial role in stopping the spread of the Revolutions of 1848 into Belgium.

Philip the Handsome was ruler of the Burgundian Netherlands and titular Duke of Burgundy, as well as the first Habsburg King of Castile. He proved himself an effective ruler beloved by his people, pursuing policies favoring peace and economic development. Philip consolidated his power in Spain, leading to conflicts with his wife and her father. His marriage to Joanna, heiress to Castile and Aragon, expanded the Habsburg territories significantly. His son Charles V eventually united the Habsburg, Burgundian, Castilian, and Aragonese inheritances, solidifying the family's rule for centuries.

Albert I of Belgium ruled during World War I, overseeing the occupation of Belgium by German forces. His reign also saw the adoption of the Treaty of Versailles, the governance of the Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, and the country's reconstruction post-war. He navigated the challenges of the Great Depression until his tragic death in a mountaineering accident. Popularly known as the Knight King or Soldier King, Albert I is remembered for his leadership and bravery during World War I.

Baudouin of Belgium served as King of the Belgians from 1951 until his passing in 1993. He was the final Belgian monarch to rule over the Congo before its independence. During his reign, he navigated significant political changes both within Belgium and internationally. Baudouin was known for his commitment to his royal duties and was respected for his diplomatic skills. Upon his death, the crown passed to his younger brother, King Albert II.

Leopold II of Belgium was the second King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909 and founder of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908. He used Henry Morton Stanley to lay claim to the Congo, extracting wealth through ivory and rubber, leading to widespread atrocities and a significant decline in the Congolese population. Leopold's brutal administration, marked by forced labor, torture, and murder, was condemned internationally, resulting in the Belgian Government taking over the Congo in 1908, transforming it into the Belgian Congo.

Duke Philip III the Good of Burgundy ruled from 1419 to 1467, overseeing significant administrative reforms and fostering the arts by patronizing Flemish artists and composers. He played a key role in the political landscape by forming alliances with both the English and the French to strengthen his dynasty's powerbase. As ruler of multiple regions, he held influence in the Low Countries. His reign marked a period of prosperity and prestige for the Burgundian State, reaching its apex during his leadership.

Joanna of Castile was the nominal queen of Castile from 1504 and queen of Aragon from 1516 until her death in 1555. Married to Philip the Handsome, she became queen of Castile in 1504 after her mother's death. Despite being the ruling queen, Joanna had little influence on national policy due to being declared insane and confined by her father. Her son Charles I became king, and she remained confined until her death in 1555.

Leopold III of Belgium reigned as King from 1934 to 1951, facing challenges during World War II when he surrendered Belgium to Germany. His decision was met with criticism, leading to his exile and subsequent return, which nearly caused civil unrest. Leopold eventually abdicated in favor of his son Baudouin in 1951 due to public pressure. His reign was marked by controversy surrounding his actions during the war and his unconventional second marriage.

Merovech, a king of the Salian Franks and ancestor of the Merovingian dynasty, is a figure shrouded in legend and myth. He is reported to have descended from the Frankish warlord Chlodio and played a role in the historical Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in Gaul in 451. His supposed descendants, the well-known kings Childeric I and Clovis I, further solidified the legacy of the Merovingians. Merovech's professional life likely involved leadership, strategic military alliances, and participation in significant historical events of his time.

Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, played a significant role in Belgian royal succession. He became heir presumptive to the throne in 1869 and was offered the crowns of Romania and Greece, which he declined. His refusal allowed for the ascension of other rulers in those countries. Philippe's decision not to accept these thrones shaped the course of European monarchies. His legacy continued with his son, King Albert I, who succeeded to the Belgian throne after Philippe's death in 1905.

Prince Laurent of Belgium is known for his involvement in animal welfare and environmental issues. Despite being lower in the line of succession due to constitutional changes, he has shown a passion for causes close to his heart. His reputation in the media as the "eco-blunderer" stems from his informal approach and occasional missteps in protocol. However, his dedication to these causes has garnered respect and attention, highlighting his commitment to making a positive impact in these important areas.

Albert II of Belgium reigned as King of the Belgians from 1993 to 2013. He succeeded his brother, King Baudouin, and was succeeded by his eldest son, King Philippe. Albert II announced his abdication on health grounds in 2013, making him the fourth monarch to abdicate that year. He was the second Belgian monarch to abdicate after his father, King Leopold III. During his reign, Albert II attended official events, meetings, and ceremonial duties as the constitutional monarch of Belgium.

Clovis I was the first king of the Franks to unite all of the Franks under one ruler, establishing the Merovingian dynasty. He transformed leadership from multiple petty kings to rule by a single monarch, ensuring the hereditary passing of the kingship. Clovis expanded his kingdom through military conquests, establishing dominance over the Western Roman Empire remnants and incorporating various Frankish kingdoms. His baptism and conversion to Nicene Christianity under the influence of his wife, Clotilde, led to widespread religious conversion among the Franks and contributed to the alliance between the Franks and Catholicism.

Philip II the Bold was Duke of Burgundy and jure uxoris Count of Flanders, Artois, and Burgundy. He was the founder of the Burgundian branch of the House of Valois. His extensive territories made him a powerful peer of the Kingdom of France. Philip played a crucial role in advancing gunpowder artillery in European warfare, utilizing it effectively in his military campaigns. His successors became significant figures, sometimes even rivals, to the kings of France.

Godfrey of Bouillon was a prominent leader of the First Crusade and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Initially hesitant to be titled king, he ruled as prince under the title Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre. He inherited the Lordship of Bouillon and was confirmed as Duke of Lower Lorraine by Emperor Henry IV. Alongside his brothers, he participated in the First Crusade, proving instrumental in the capture of Jerusalem and securing his kingdom by defeating the Fatimids at Ascalon.

Prince Baudouin of Belgium did not have an extensive professional life due to his untimely death at a young age. However, during his short life, he was being prepared for a potential role within the Belgian monarchy. As the eldest son of Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, Baudouin would have been expected to fulfill a role within the royal family and possibly undertake duties related to the monarchy. His premature passing tragically cut short any potential professional endeavors he may have pursued.

Philippe of Belgium ascended to the throne on July 21, 2013, following his father's abdication. He married Mathilde d'Udekem d'Acoz in 1999 and together they have four children. Philippe carries out various ceremonial duties as King of the Belgians, representing the country at official functions and events both domestically and internationally. He also plays a role in fostering diplomatic relations and promoting Belgium's interests on the global stage. Philippe's eldest child, Princess Elisabeth, holds the position of first in line to the Belgian throne.

Ambiorix was the prince of the Eburones, a Belgic tribe in north-eastern Gaul during 54–53 BC. As a leader, he played a key role in resisting Julius Caesar's forces in the region that is modern-day Belgium. Ambiorix's strategic prowess and bravery in combat earned him recognition as a national hero in Belgium during the nineteenth century. His actions are well-documented in Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, showcasing his leadership in defending his people and their territories against Roman conquest.

Samo, a Frankish merchant turned Slavic king, is renowned for unifying disparate Slavic tribes and fortifying them against raids. His strategic leadership extended his control over a vast region, encompassing portions of Bohemia. His prowess in organizing and defending his territories against external threats solidified his reputation as a capable ruler. Despite his impressive achievements, Samo's reign came to an abrupt end with his demise, marking the eventual dissolution of his state and the fragmentation of his legacy.

Prince Carl Bernadotte had a distinguished professional life, serving as a prince of the Belgian nobility. He was known for his dedication to various philanthropic causes, particularly in the fields of healthcare and social welfare. Throughout his career, he held several leadership positions in charitable organizations and foundations, working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. His commitment to public service and his efforts to make a positive impact on society were widely recognized and appreciated by many.

Philippe, Duke of Brabant, had a notable professional life as the Count of Ligny and Saint-Pol from 1415 to 1430. He succeeded his older brother as Duke of Brabant and was known for his leadership and governance during his reign. Philippe played a key role in the administration and management of his territories, demonstrating strategic decision-making and political acumen. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain stability and uphold the responsibilities associated with his noble titles, leaving a legacy of effective rule and governance.