Description:
(First King of the Belgians (1831 - 1865))
Leopold I was a prince from Germany who was made the king of the Belgians after the country declared its independence in 1830. He ruled from July 1831 to December 1865. Hailing from the ruling family of the small German duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, he received an honorary commission in the Imperial Russian Army and took part in the wars against Napoleon. After Napoleon’s fall, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he exchanged wedding vows with Princess Charlotte of Wales. Following the Greek War of Independence, he was asked to be the king of that country but he declined, as he thought it to be too precarious. However, when he was offered the crown of Belgium, he accepted. The Belgian government made the request to Leopold because of his links with other royal houses in Europe. The day of his coronation, 21 July, is celebrated as the annual Belgian National Day. Leopold I was a Protestant and seen as a liberal leader who advocated for economic modernisations. After his death, his son, Leopold II, became the king of the Belgians.
Birthday
December 16, 1790 (Sagittarius)
Born In
Germany
Alternative names
Leopold George Christian Frederick
Died on
December 10, 1865
Spouse/Ex-
Louise of Orléans (m. 1832–1850), Princess Charlotte of Wales (m. 1816–1817)
Parents
Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf
Children
Arthur von Eppinghoven, Carlota of Mexico, Georg von Eppinghoven, Leopold II, Louis Philippe; Crown Prince of Belgium, Prince Philippe; Count of Flanders
When did Leopold I of Belgium become king?
Leopold I became the first King of the Belgians on July 21, 1831.
What were Leopold I of Belgium's main accomplishments as king?
Leopold I played a crucial role in establishing Belgium as an independent and neutral state and in maintaining its territorial integrity.
How did Leopold I of Belgium impact Belgian society during his reign?
Leopold I focused on promoting industrialization, education, and infrastructure development in Belgium.
What was Leopold I of Belgium's role in the Belgian Revolution of 1830?
Leopold I played a diplomatic role during the Belgian Revolution, eventually accepting the Belgian throne under the terms of the National Congress.
What was the significance of Leopold I of Belgium's marriage to Louise of Orléans?
Leopold I's marriage to Louise of Orléans strengthened his ties to the French royal family and helped solidify diplomatic relations between Belgium and France.
