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A Belgian artist who has fought a seven-year legal battle to prove that former King Albert II of Belgium is her father literally achieved supreme success at court today when she officially became a princess.
The Belgian court of appeals awarded Delphine Boel the title of ‘Princess of Belgium’ after the former monarch’s DNA test proved he was her father, her lawyers said in a statement, adding that Boel was “completely satisfied” with failure.
DNA testing revealed in January that Albert II is Ms Boel’s biological father, ending his long-standing paternity suit.
Albert, who abdicated six years ago in favor of his son Philippe, had long questioned Ms Boel’s claim.
In addition to being recognized as a princess, Ms Boel will change her surname to that of her father, Saxe-Cobourg.
Her two children, Josephine and Oscar, will also receive royal titles and the right to be referred to as Her Royal Highness.
“A legal victory will never replace a parent’s love, but it does offer a sense of justice, further reinforced by the fact that many children who have been through the same ordeal will find the strength to face them there,” Boel’s attorneys said.
The sudden court ruling came as a surprise as its decision was scheduled for October 29. -Reuters
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