Queen Fabiola Gathers Belgian Royals for Her 80th Birthday

The Belgian Royal Family gathered at the Castle of Laeken Tuesday afternoon to celebrate Queen Fabiola’s eightieth birthday. She had her party a week early; the queen does not turn eighty until June 11th. Princess Mathilde was in attendance along with seven-week-old Princess Eléonore, who also carries the name Fabiola amongst her five names. Doña Fabiola Fernanda Maria de las Victorias Antonia Adelaïda de Mora y Aragón was born on June 11, 1928 in Madrid. She married King Baudouin on December 15, 1960. She was thirty-two years old. King Baudouin passed away July 31, 1993. They were married thirty-two years.

Trained as a nurse, the queen has focused on issues such as dyslexia and mental health. She has also devoted time to initiatives that help the disadvantage in the Belgian population and Third World countries. Amongst her talents, the queen speaks fluent Spanish, French, Dutch, English, German and Italian.Photos: REUTERS