Ex-King Albert of Belgium's love child Princess Delphine is dazzling (2024)

The love child of King Albert II of Belgium ensured all eyes were only on her by wearing a dazzling pink and red pant suit emblazoned with a striking butterfly on the front and the word 'love' on her back.

Artist Princess Delphine, 53, formerly known as Delphine Boël, wore the mesmerising candy and fuscia striped outfit to National Day 2024 celebrations at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium.

The annual day commemorates the investiture ofLeopold I as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.

Delphine, 55, who accessorised her tailored suit with an elegant and matching wide-brimmed hat, white clutch purse and chunky ivory platform heels believes she has a strong claim to attend such celebrations given her blue-blooded genes.

Sheis thought to be the result of an 18-year affair between former monarch, King Albert II, 89, who abdicated in 2013 in favour of his son King Philippe, 63, and Belgian aristocrat Sybille de Selys Longchamps, 82, that began in the 1960s.

It's not the first time Delphine has worn - quite literally - a statement outfit.

In January, she was spotted witha shawl featuring the words 'Never Give Up' on an Instagram post, just months after asking to be officiallyconsidered a royal by her government.

The artist also posted a snap of herself holding up a €495 graffiti-style scarf which featured the phrases 'when the system is corrupt', 'when the future looks f*****' and 'when the going gets tough'.

Delphine has had a rocky road to recognition as the love child of her country's former monarch.

She was legally named as King Albert II of Belgium's daughter three years ago - but in 2023 she reportedly penned a legal letter to the government asking to be invited to official events like her half-siblingsPrincess Astrid, 61, and Prince Laurent, 60.

Speaking after a court officially acknowledged her as the love child of Belgium's former king in October 2020, Delphine said her battle to be recognised as a royal was not about money or status, but rather to be treated with the same 'respect' as her half-siblings.

For decades, the former King distanced himself from Princess Delphine and her mother to preserve his marriage.

After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself.

In 2013, the same year King Albert abdicated the throne due to health reasons and was succeeded by his son King Philippe, Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020.

Now Delphine has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal familyas are her two children Princess Joséphine of Belgium, 19, and Prince Oscar of Belgium, 14, who she shares with partner James O'Hare.

Speaking to Tatler last year, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him.

She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said: 'You don't just have a child and kick it.'

Now Delphine has attended royal engagements and says her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness.

She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.'

When she was granted her royal title Princess Delphine was also invited to Belvédère Castle in Brussels where she had an official meeting with her father and his wife Queen Paola.