10 years ago, the world witnessed the last royal wedding of the 20th century. It was between Philippe, the heir to the Belgian throne, and Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz, and today they mark a decade of marriage. 
When it was announced that the Crown Prince was to marry Mathilde, a member of Belgium’s untitled nobility and a speech therapist, there was some accusations of an arranged marriage. Philippe was never seriously linked to any other woman, and the courtship between him and Mathilde was done very secretly. The accusations were so rampant, the palace had to release a statement denying an arranged union.
On December 4th, the wedding took place at the Cathedral of Saint Michel. Mathilde was escorted down the aisle by her father, who was made a Count as a result of his daughter becoming Belgium’s future Queen. Royals from all over Europe and the world witnessed the event.
REUTERS/Dany Gys/Pool/FILE
Since the wedding, Philippe and Mathilde are proud parents to four children: Elisabeth born in 2001, Gabriel who came two years later, Emmanuel who was born in 2005, and Eleonore who arrived last year.
The couple officially celebrated their wedding anniversary over the summer to coincide with King Albert II and Queen Paola’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Despite rumors of their marriage being fixed, Philippe and Mathilde’s union has clearly flourished, and royal watchers can agree that the two are quite happy together.
May they have many more years of wedded bliss!
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