King Albert leaves hospital

King Albert II of Belgium has been discharged from the hospital following a week-long stay.

He was admitted last week with symptoms of dehydration, and it was later announced that he was also being treated for a blood infection. During his time in the hospital, he was visited by his son, King Philippe, who also brought along Prince Emmanuel. His daughter, Princess Astrid, did not visit as she was abroad at the time of his hospitalisation. He was also visited by his son, Prince Laurent, and his wife, Queen Paola.

He was helped to the car by Queen Paola upon his departure. When asked how he was feeling, he responded with “Very well.” He will continue to recuperate at home.

King Albert is the second son of King Leopold III of Belgium and Astrid of Sweden. His father abdicated on 16 July 1951 in favour of Albert’s elder brother Baudouin. King Baudouin reigned until his death in 1993, and Albert succeeded him. He was King of the Belgians from 9 August 1993 to 21 July 2013, when he abdicated in favour of his eldest son. He has three children with his wife, Queen Paola. He also has a recognised illegitimate daughter, who was lawfully recognised as Princess of Belgium with the style “Her Royal Highness” in October 2020.