Who Is Baudouin of Belgium? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Baudouin of Belgium was born on September 7, 1930. He served as the King of the Belgians from 1951 until his death in 1993. As of 2025, Baudouin would have celebrated his 95th birthday, reflecting on a significant historical legacy marked by periods of both challenge and restoration in Belgium. Known for his deep sense of duty and devotion to his country, Baudouin was a key figure in modern Belgian history, navigating the nation through the challenges of the mid-20th century.
For more detailed information about his life and reign, visit Baudouin of Belgium on Wikipedia.
| Occupation | Service |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1930 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Château of Stuyvenberg, Laeken, Brussels, Belgium |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Belgium |
| Date of death | 31 July, 1993 |
| Died Place | Villa Astrida, Motril, Spain |
Popularity
Baudouin of Belgium's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details about Baudouin's physical measurements during his lifetime are scarce, it is noted that he was of average height for a European male of his era. King Baudouin was known to maintain a dignified presence, which complemented his role as a monarch.
- Height: Approximately 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
- Weight: Estimated around 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Body Measurements: Not publicly documented, but maintained a regal appearance reflective of his status.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Baudouin was married to Queen Fabiola of Belgium, and the couple had no children. Their marriage in 1960 was a significant event in Belgian history, garnering much media attention. Baudouin's commitment to his royal duties left little room for public relationships outside of his marriage, reinforcing the image of a devoted husband and king.
Baudouin was the elder son of King Leopold III (1901–1983) and his first wife, Princess Astrid of Sweden (1905–1935). Because he and his wife, Queen Fabiola, had no children, at Baudouin's death the crown passed to his younger brother, King Albert II.
Net Worth and Salary
During his reign, Baudouin of Belgium managed to maintain a royal lifestyle, though exact figures on his net worth are not publicly available. The Belgian royal family's wealth primarily stemmed from estates, investments, and allowances provided by the state.
- Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly recorded but speculated to be in the millions, considering his responsibilities as a king.
- Annual Salary: Not disclosed but comprised of state-funded allowances and personal income.
Within hours, the gates and enclosure of the royal palace were covered with flowers that people brought spontaneously. A viewing of the body was held at the Royal Palace in central Brussels; 500,000 people (5% of the population) came to pay their respects. Many waited in line up to 14 hours in sweltering heat to see their king one last time.
The funeral service was attended by all other European monarchs – including Queen Elizabeth II (the only state funeral she attended in person as monarch) – alongside Emperor Akihito of Japan. Non-royal guests at the funeral included more than twenty presidents and leaders.
Only two reigning heads of state of sovereign states at the time were not invited: Saddam Hussein, and Mobutu, the first due to the Gulf War, the latter due to him being declared persona non grata partly thanks to Mobutu exposing information about Baudouins brother and sister-in-law.
The presidents and leaders who did attend the funeral inluded likes such as UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, European Commission President Jacques Delors, French President François Mitterrand, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, German President Richard von Weizsäcker, Polish President Lech Wałęsa, Bosnian President Alija Izetbegović,
Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Canadian Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn and former US President Gerald Ford.
Career, Business, and Investments
Baudouin's career was primarily focused on his duties as the King of the Belgians. His reign saw significant developments in Belgian society, including efforts towards national unity and social progress.
Besides his royal duties, there isn’t much evidence of Baudouin engaging extensively in business or investment ventures commonly associated with modern-day royals. Rather, his energies were directed towards serving his citizens and fostering Belgium's relationships within Europe and beyond.
Lumumba's speech infuriated Baudouin and generated significant conflict between the two men. After the independence of Congo, the natural resource-rich Katanga Province orchestrated a secession that received substantial military and financial support from the Belgian government, as well as from Belgian companies with business interests in Katanga.
King Baudouin strengthened his relationships with the Katangese politician Moise Tshombé, whom he made a Knight in the Belgian Order of Leopold. In the meantime, Belgium's government, as well as the CIA, supported or organized plots to assassinate Lumumba.
Social Network
While King Baudouin was a well-respected figure, he was not known for engaging in social media like celebrities do today. However, his legacy continues to be commemorated through various platforms that discuss European monarchies. In contemporary discussions, social media accounts and pages dedicated to royal history reflect on his contributions and influence.
- Twitter: Historical royal commentary, not actively used by Baudouin.
- Instagram: Archives and fan pages dedicated to Belgian monarchy history.
- Facebook: Groups showcasing royal lineage and historical events during his reign.
Education
Baudouin of Belgium was well-educated, receiving instruction in both Belgium and abroad. He attended the University of Louvain (KU Leuven), where he studied law, complementing his royal education with a deep understanding of governance and legal matters. His education played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives on leadership and public service.
- University: KU Leuven (law degree)
- Additional Studies: He pursued studies in various disciplines to prepare for his future role as a monarch.
* GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 9 Sond des Grosskreuzes.svg Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)
