Princess Maria Laura

Her surprise baby makes history

Princess Maria-Laura of Belgium (R) and William Isvy(Bild: APA/Philippe REYNAERS / BELGA / AFP)

Nobody knew that Princess Maria Laura of Belgium was expecting a baby. Now the baby is born and immediately causes a minor sensation.

Princess Maria Laura of Belgium gave birth to her first child secretly and quietly - and no one had any idea! Now the sweet news is causing a stir, because baby Albert is about to make royal history.

On Wednesday, the Belgian palace announced the happy news: "Princess Maria Laura and Mr. William Isvy are delighted to announce the birth of their son Albert, who was born in Brussels on Sunday, 26 January." Weighing 3.5 kg, the little one is doing well, as is his proud mother.

First royal baby in Belgium without a title
The first official photo of the little bundle of joy is also enchanting: snuggled up in a cream-colored sweater, Albert slumbers peacefully, a teddy bear watching over him. A sugar-sweet sight that makes the hearts of Belgians beat faster!

And he is a minor sensation in Belgium: although Albert is now the eleventh in line to the Belgian throne, he has made royal history for the Belgian royals, as he is the first to have no title.

Princess Maria-Laura of Belgium (R) and William Isvy(Bild: APA/Philippe REYNAERS / BELGA / AFP)

Albert's parents, Maria Laura and William, got married on September 10, 2022. Maria Laura is the niece of the current Belgian monarch Philippe and the second child of Princess Astrid.