Daughter of Belgium's former king wins long battle to become princess, World News

Daughter of Belgium's former king wins long battle to become princess, World News

Princess Found: Delphine Boel’s Royal Milestone

After a grueling seven‑year legal saga, Delphine Boel can finally brag that she is officially a princess. The Belgian Appeals Court crowned her on Thursday, officially affirming her long‑awaited claim that former king Albert II is her father.

The DNA Verdict

The pivotal DNA test, completed in January, confirmed the biological link that had been the heart of the dispute. Albert, who stepped down six years ago in favor of his son Philippe, had resisted all attempts at recognition—until now.

Family Title Shuffle

  • Delphine Boel will now carry the princely surname Saxe‑Cobourg.
  • Her two children, Josephine and Oscar, will each receive the royal title and be addressed as His/Her Royal Highness.

Why This Matters

“A legal victory cannot replace the warmth of a father’s affection,” said the lawyer representing Delphine. “But it does offer a profound sense of justice, and it will give other families who have faced similar battles the courage to persevere.”

The court’s decision arrived ahead of its scheduled date on Oct 29, striking the legal community and royalty alike with a dose of surprise—and a bit of relief for those who’ve lived under the shadow of uncertain lineage.

With her new title, Delphine can finally say, “Finally, a crown that fits perfectly—no more haircuts and no more legal wills!”