Belgium Announces 2026 Nobility Promotions: 17 Honoured
On the eve of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe has awarded noble titles and high-ranking national honours to 17 individuals in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Belgian society. The annual announcement, published on 20 July 2026 by La Libre Belgique, follows a cherished tradition dating back centuries.
Nine recipients received the title of baron or baroness, while eight others were appointed to high grades in Belgium’s National Orders. Notably, no count or countess titles were awarded this year.
A Tradition of Recognition
Belgium is one of the few remaining monarchies that continues to actively grant noble titles to its citizens. The honours are announced annually on 20 July, the eve of the National Day celebrations on 21 July. Modern Belgian nobility carries no legal privileges or tax exemptions — the titles are purely honorary, awarded by the King on the advice of the government to citizens who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service.
The hierarchy of Belgian nobility ranges from écuyer (squire) and chevalier (knight) through baron, vicomte, comte, marquis, duc, and prince. This year’s promotions focused on the baronage level, with no count or countess titles awarded — a departure from some previous years when higher titles were granted.
According to The Brussels Times, King Philippe granted the titles in recognition of contributions spanning science, culture, business, social causes, and civil society.
The New Barons and Baronesses
Among those receiving noble titles is Evelyne Bruyère, coordinator of SOS Inceste Belgique, honoured for her work supporting victims of incest and intra-family sexual violence. Dirk De Wachter, the prominent psychiatrist, was recognised for his contribution to mental healthcare and public debate on social change.
Jos Delbeke, a former senior European Commission official, was honoured for his leading role in international climate negotiations, while Firouzeh Nahavandi, a sociologist, was recognised for her research on the Muslim world and the role of women.
The list also includes Marie-Cécile Nassogne, a neuropaediatrician honoured for her work on autism; Ronny Swennen, a bioengineer and internationally recognised expert in tropical agriculture and food security; Charly Herscovici, co-founder and president of the Magritte Foundation and founder of the Magritte Museum; Kristina Engels-Verbeke, recognised for supporting disadvantaged children and promoting African art; and Wouter Torfs, an entrepreneur.
National Order Distinctions
Eight individuals received high-ranking distinctions in Belgium’s National Orders. Rosa Rademakers, a neurogeneticist, was promoted to Commander of the Order of Leopold for her research into neurodegenerative diseases.
Seven others were appointed Commanders of the Order of the Crown: jazz guitarist Philip Catherine; artists Ann Veronica Janssens and Otobong Nkanga; choreographer Alain Platel; actress Chris Lomme; bailiff Patrick Van Buggenhout, recognised for pioneering ethical debt recovery practices; and Philippe Vansteenkiste, founder of V-Europe, which supports victims of terrorism.
A Reflection of Contemporary Values
The 2026 promotions reflect several notable trends that signal the evolving priorities of the Belgian monarchy. The list demonstrates strong gender balance, with women well represented among both noble title recipients and national order appointees — continuing a shift toward greater parity in recent years.
The recognition of social causes is particularly striking. Evelyne Bruyère’s work with SOS Inceste Belgique and Philippe Vansteenkiste’s foundation supporting victims of terrorism highlight the monarchy’s focus on grassroots activism and victim support. Similarly, Dirk De Wachter’s recognition for mental health advocacy signals a growing awareness of psychological well-being as a societal priority.
The inclusion of figures from climate policy, scientific research, and the arts underscores the breadth of contributions being honoured. Jos Delbeke’s recognition for his role in international climate negotiations reflects Belgium’s commitment to environmental action, while the honours for artists such as Philip Catherine, Ann Veronica Janssens, and Otobong Nkanga affirm the cultural sector’s importance to national identity.
As Histoires Royales notes, the King typically receives the recipients at the Royal Palace in a formal ceremony later in the year, where the new nobles are presented with their certificates of nobility.
What to Watch For
The formal conferral of honours typically takes place during the National Day celebrations on 21 July, with the Te Deum service at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the traditional military parade at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The newly titled barons and baronesses will be officially received at the Royal Palace in a ceremony expected later this year.
The 2026 list continues Belgium’s unique tradition of blending historical ceremonial practice with modern, merit-based recognition — a system that remains a distinctive feature of the Belgian monarchy in contemporary Europe. Unlike some other European monarchies that have frozen or abolished nobility titles, Belgium continues to actively grant them as a meaningful form of national recognition, stripped of privilege but rich in symbolic value.