Royal Approval Low for Belgians, High for Dutch.

A recent poll found that most Belgians do not find their royal family in a positive light.

In a survey, conducted by Vers l’Avenir, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Belang van Limburg, asked 1,000 people what they thought about the monarchy. Only 27 percent see approve of it. When asked to describe the monarchy, Belgians used such words as old (51 percent), privileged (70 percent), boring (46 percent) and distant (42 percent).

The study was compared to how those in the Netherlands feel about their monarchy. The Dutch people say the look to their royal family for wisdom (53 percent), reliability (63 percent), class (65 percent ), and leadership (46 percent). The survey also found that 54 percent of the people in Holland felt a kinship with their monarchy.

In addition, the Belgians who were questioned were asked who was their favorite royal. 53 percent said King Albert II. He was followed by Crown Princess Mathilde (47 percent) and Queen Paola (40 percent). Crown Prince Philippe, the heir to the throne, received only a 30 percent approval rating.

In comparison to the Netherlands, the Dutch most favorite royal is Crown Princess Maxima, with three in four claiming to like her.