The King of the Belgians at 60

Today is the sixtieth birthday of the King  of the Belgians and to mark that I have copied todays posts from Royal Central:   The Most Unexpected King?   He's a popular and successful monarch but King Philippe was never expected to reign. Find out how this shy prince found himself on the path to a throne in our special features.   Philippe - a life in images   Born on April 15th 1960, Philippe Leopold Louis Marie has ruled Belgium since July 2013. Royal Central shares some of the best image of the kingthrough his life.

The Best Family Photos of Philippe and family   The king celebrated his birthday with a heartfelt message - read it here. There was a new photo, too, to add to the gorgeous collection shared to mark another big birthday in Belgium.

Philippe and Mathilde - a love story   Philippe made royal history when he married Mathilde in December 1999. The Belgian queen is credited with helping turn his reign into a resounding success as her popularity goes from strength to strength.   Elisabeth, heiress to the Belgian throne   Philippe is the first Belgian monarch to see a daughter become heir to the throne. And Princess Elisabeth's recent 18th birthday celebrationsunderlined the secure footing the king has put his monarchy on.