Princess Maria Laura of Belgium and her husband William Isvy have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Albert, who is now 11th in line to the throne.
Princess Maria Laura of Belgium and her husband William Isvy are over the moon after welcoming a new Royal into the family. Their baby boy, named Albert, made his grand entrance to the world on 26 January, giving everyone a wonderful surprise as the couple had kept the pregnancy under wraps.
A gorgeous picture of little Albert snoozing in a cosy cream outfit was shared by the Belgian Palace on Wednesday, as they announced: “Princess Maria Laura and Mr. William Isvy are delighted to announce the birth of their son Albert, born on Sunday 26 January in Brussels. Albert weighs 3.5 kg and is doing well, just like his mother. The families of the young parents share in their happiness.”
Named after his great-grandfather, former King Albert II of Belgium, the newborn is the first Belgian Royal not to be given a title at birth, while he is 11th in line for the throne.
Princess Maria Laura, 36, the niece of King Philippe and second child of Princess Astrid of Belgium, has been married to her British investment banker husband, William, since 10 September 2022. The couple said their vows in a civil ceremony in Brussels, followed by a religious celebration at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula the next day.
Despite being part of the Royal family, Maria Laura was brought up away from the spotlight in Bazel, Switzerland, until she was five due to her father’s international banking job. Alongside her four siblings – Prince Amedeo, Prince Joachim, Princess Luisa Maria, and Princess Laetitia Maria – she was raised without Royal duties and is rarely seen at public events, reports the Mirror.
The royal baby news comes just after it was announced that Princess Beatrice has welcomed her second daughter.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the joyful arrival in a statement released on Wednesday. It read: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday January 22 at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
“The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”
Beatrice and Edoardo, who tied the knot in 2020, already share three year old daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi. Beatrice is also a doting stepmum to Edoardo’s eight year old son Wolfie from a previous relationship.
