There was a notable absence from the King’s Day celebrations in Belgium on Saturday, with King Albert and Queen Paola stepping away from the annual tradition, in a sign that the former crown couple are reducing their public engagements due to age and poor health.

It was their daughter, Princess Astrid, who explained why the King and the Queen chose not to attend the King’s Feast (their eldest son, King Philippe, does not attend the occasion, as tradition dictates that the monarch should not celebrate themselves). ‘I think they deserve a retirement a little bit, don’t they?’ said the Princess of her parents when asked by Wim Dehandschutter. ‘[My father] is 91 and mum is 88, if I’m not mistaken. It’s starting to add up. But we often call each other.’

Princess Astrid was seen supporting

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