Paola of Belgiumturns 89 this September 11: the Belgian press isn't publishing big special features on her, and so far the official channels also haven't marked the day with a new photo or a public gesture, as they tend to do when it's a milestone birthday. It's been a while since the woman who was queen consort for two decades stepped into the background; she suffered a stroke in 2018, from which she recovered, and now lives a quiet life between Belgium and the south of France.
Her public appearances are now rare; here she is with her husband, Albert II, and the current monarchs, her son, Philippe of the Belgians, and his wife, Queen Mathilde. The picture was taken in 2023 during National Day. (@ Patrick van Katwijk)
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