King and Queen of the Belgians mark 10th anniversary of Brussels terror attack

The King and Queen of the Belgians marked the tenth anniversary of the Brussels terror attack on Sunday.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended the commemorations alongside Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Belgian government officials, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and ambassadors from neighbouring countries.

Their Majesties and the Prime Minister attended three ceremonies to remember those who lost their lives and those who were injured. The Belgian Royal Palace said on social media, “Ten years ago, Belgium was struck by two terrorist attacks that destroyed countless lives, tore families apart, and have marked our country forever.”

The first ceremony took place at Brussels Airport and the second at Maalbeek in Brussels’ European District – both locations of the attacks in 2016.

At the airport, the King paid tribute to the victims, “The victims will remain in our hearts forever. Ten years have passed, but for many, time has not eased the pain. It has made them quieter, more withdrawn; sometimes it was harder to bear.”

He also said that the terrorists “failed” to divide the country and instead united it. King Philippe said, “The terrorists thought they could instil lasting fear in our country, divide our society, and undermine our values.”

At the third event, white flowers were laid at the Monument for the Victims of Acts of Terror on Rue de la Loi to remember the innocent victims of the attacks. Names of those who died were also read aloud with a moment of silence.

The memorial was broadcast live on television.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde later met survivors and relatives of the victims to express their sympathies. While at the airport, he addressed them specifically, “Today we are here for you. To say that our country will never forget you.”

The ceremonies were organised by the Federal Government, Brussels Airport and Brussels public transport company MIVB.

On 22 March 2016, the Islamic State perpetrated two attacks in Brussels. A suicide bomber blew himself up on a train at the metro station in the European Quarter of the capital. Two other bombers killed themselves at Brussels Airport. In total, 32 people were killed, excluding the terrorists. Another 340 people were injured.