Line of succession to the Belgian throne

The Belgian succession shall be governed by Articles 85 to 87 of the Constitution of 1994. These comply with Articles 60 to 62 of the Constitution of 1831, of which Articles 60 and 61 with effect from 20-21. July 1991 had been significantly revised.

The heir to the throne traditionally holds the title of Duke of Brabant.

Succession 1991 scheme

Succession of birth

Are entitled to inherit the direct, natural (not adopted ) and legitimate (not illegitimate ) descendants of King Leopold I. after the birthright. Is excluded from the succession to the throne, who concludes the marriage without the permission of the king or regent. The king is in this respect, however, the right to mercy to, but only with the approval of both chambers of parliament.

Staff unions

A king also requires the consent of both chambers of parliament doubly qualified, if he wants to be head of another state at the same time. For this purpose, at least two-thirds of the members must participate in the vote and decide on the approval of a two-thirds majority.

Transitional law

The new succession rules apply due to the transition law for the descendants of King Albert II through the same transition law was married Princess Astrid, which was hereby incorporated only in the throne, subsequently legitimized.

For descendants of Leopold I, which are not descendants of Albert II, continue to the old royal succession rules apply from 1893 Hereafter only the male line was entitled to inherit. ; Women and their descendants were perpetually excluded from the succession.

Successor list

This results in the following final successor list for the successor Philippe.

Not enthroned follow legitimate descendants of King Leopold I.

The following lines are excluded from the succession:

• Delphine Boel, possibly illegitimate child of King Albert II;
• The descendants of Grand Duchess Josephine of Luxembourg, the oldest sister of King Albert II, wife of Grand Duke Jean, as she was excluded under the current rules of succession to 1991 as a woman with their descendants permanently from the succession;
• The three half-siblings of King Albert II of the second, morganatic marriage of King Leopold III, since this marriage was regarded as illegitimate ( controversial, but relevant only in terms of the childless Prince Alexander). ;
• The descendants of the ex- Queen Marie José of Italy for the same reasons as the descendants of Grand Duchess Josephine;
• The descendants of the two surviving sisters of King Albert I, Henrietta Maria and Joséphine Caroline;
• The descendants of King Leopold II, as alone survived daughters and illegitimate sons of the king;
• The descendants of the illegitimate children of King Leopold I.

Extinction of the royal house

Thus, the succession is in fact limited to the descendants of King Albert II and exclusively subject to the law of primogeniture.

If there are no descendants of King Leopold I. (or Albert II ) is more, the King may appoint with the consent of both chambers of parliament twice qualified an heir to the throne. If no valid appointment is made, the throne is vacant. In this case, both chambers of parliament in joint session to determine within two months of its full election a new king.

A privilege certain kinship branch lines - the next would be the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg - is not here.

• Policy ( Belgium)
• Prince (Belgium )
• Succession of a monarchy