(1965) MiNr. 1406 - 1407 ** - Belgium - 100th anniversary of the death of King Leopold I.

100th anniversary of the death of King Leopold I - founder of the Belgian monarchy

On 10 December 1865, the first King Leopold I of Belgium died in Laeken, marking the end of one of the key stages in the formation of modern Belgian statehood. Exactly one hundred years later, in 1965, Belgium marked the centenary of his death, which became an occasion not only for state ceremonies but also for a historical review of his reign.

Leopold I, born Leopold Georg Christian Friedrich in 1790 in Coburg, Germany, was a member of the Sachsen-Coburg-Saalfeld family. In 1831, he was elected the first king of Belgium after the independence of Belgium from the Netherlands. His accession to the throne was not just a formality - his task was to stabilise the newly formed state, maintain the balance of power and help create a functioning constitutional monarchy.

During his reign, Leopold I proved to be a skilled diplomat and political strategist. He supported the construction of railways, infrastructure improvements and industrial development. In foreign policy, he maintained close contacts with the United Kingdom, France and Prussia, contributing to Belgium's international recognition and stability.

King Leopold I was also known for his moderation and his efforts to compromise between different political camps, including liberals and Catholics. His role was primarily representational and aimed at protecting the constitutional order, but he also retained some influence through personal relationships and diplomatic contacts.

After his death in 1865, his son Leopold II, later best known for his role in the colonization of the Congo, succeeded to the throne. However, the memory of Leopold I is mainly associated in Belgian history with a period of state-building, political consolidation and economic growth.