The newest country in Western Europe has its seventh king on the throne, after he took over from his father Albert II in 2013.

King Philippe of the Belgians became head of state at a time when controversy was circling the royal family because of a daughter Albert had fathered during an affair.

In the past 12 years Philippe has steadied the ship and become a figure of stability in the country, often representing the nation abroad.

One of the most notable visits during his reign was to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022, a former colony of Belgium.

Between 1885 - 1908 King Leopold II of the Belgians colonised the Congo and it's estimated around 10 million people were killed.

Historians describe it as one of the worst examples of colonisation.

Now, more than 100 yeas later, discussions are happening in Belgium whether institutions - like the monarchy and government - are willing to apologise for the barbaric acts the monarchy and the state carried out.

Guests:

Wim Dehandschutter, Royalty Journalist and Author

Pauline Malenga Mwanga, Royal Museum for Central Africa

Hosted by Daniel Rosney

'Achter de muren van het paleis/ Behind the palace doors': https://www.borgerhoff-lamberigts.be/shop/boeken/achter-de-muren-van-het-paleis

Our email is: [email protected]

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