King Philippe Uses National Day Speech to Call for Unity and Humanity
Belgium’s King Philippe delivered a strikingly political address on the eve of the nation’s 195th National Day, using his annual televised speech to condemn “reckless and cruel wars waged under false pretences” while urging Belgians to confront mounting domestic challenges with unity and compassion. The speech, recorded at the Royal Palace in Brussels on July 20, was broadcast on the eve of the July 21 celebrations marking the anniversary of King Leopold I’s oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.
A Speech Rich in Subtext
According to VRT NWS, the King addressed multiple sensitive topics, including the deadly June 2026 heatwave, Belgium’s precarious public finances, and the education crisis. But it was his commentary on global conflicts that drew the most attention from political observers.
“In this turbulent world, many states and armed groups no longer care about the rules of international law and wage, under false pretences, reckless and cruel wars,” the King said, as reported by RTBF.
While the King named no specific countries, Belgian media analysts were quick to decode the references. Wim Dehandschutter, royalty expert at Het Laatste Nieuws, interpreted the phrase “under false pretences” as a direct reference to Russia’s justification for invading Ukraine. The combination of “states” and “armed groups” flouting international law was seen as referencing Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in the escalating Middle East conflict. The King notably refrained from directly criticizing the United States, maintaining diplomatic protocol with a key ally.
Domestic Challenges Front and Center
The King opened his address by reflecting on the exceptional June heatwave that claimed hundreds of lives, particularly among vulnerable populations. “We have all suffered, but it is the most vulnerable who pay the heaviest price,” he said, paying tribute to healthcare workers and emergency services who bore the brunt of the crisis.
On the economy, the King was direct: “Budgetary efforts are necessary” — a clear reference to Belgium’s public debt and the Arizona coalition government’s commitment to €10 billion in savings by 2029, including mandated increases in defense spending. He also addressed tensions in the education sector, calling for calm and mutual respect as the new academic year approaches.
As The Brussels Times noted, the King concluded with a call for national cohesion: “We will only overcome them if we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.” He asked whether Belgians might “put more humanity and tenderness into our society.”
Prince Gabriel’s Military Debut and Record Celebrations
National Day itself featured the traditional Te Deum at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, attended by the royal family, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Defense Minister Theo Francken, and US Ambassador Bill White. For the first time, Prince Gabriel appeared in a military uniform, wearing the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold — Belgium’s highest honor — ahead of his graduation from the Royal Military School.
The Bal National on the eve of the holiday attracted a record 18,000 visitors to the Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marollen district, while the military and civilian parade on the Place des Palais drew large crowds despite a 24-hour strike by Brussels firefighters protesting staff shortages.
17 Personalities Decorated by the King
As part of the National Day traditions, the King granted noble favors and high-ranking honorary distinctions to 17 personalities. According to RTBF, the newly ennobled include psychiatrist and author Dirk De Wachter, former European Commission climate director Jos Delbeke, Magritte Foundation president Charly Herscovici, ULB sociology professor Firouzeh Nahavandi (who becomes a Baroness), and former Torfs CEO Wouter Torfs.
Everyday Heroes Honored
The King Baudouin Foundation’s BeHeroes program honored 50 engaged citizens, with two featured prominently during the parade. RTBF reported that Aminata Kamate, 31, founder of Fondation Kalifa, was recognized for raising awareness about sickle cell disease — the most common genetic disease worldwide — which she herself carries. Alexandre Hemelaer, 26, was honored for founding Tigerstorm, a powerchair football club in Brussels for people with reduced mobility; the Belgian team is heading to Argentina for the FIPFA World Cup.
Analysis and Forward Look
King Philippe’s 2026 address represents a carefully calibrated exercise in constitutional monarchy. By naming no specific countries or leaders, he maintained his required neutrality while making his positions unmistakably clear to informed observers. The speech was approved by Prime Minister De Wever through the principle of ministerial responsibility.
Compared to his 2025 speech — where he explicitly condemned “abuses in Gaza” as a “disgrace to humanity” — this year’s address appeared slightly more restrained in its language about specific conflicts, though the underlying message remained consistent. With a recent HLN poll showing half of Belgians want Crown Princess Elisabeth on the throne within five years, and two-thirds supporting the monarchy, the King’s political assertiveness reflects the institution’s continued stability and public confidence.
As Belgium navigates its budgetary challenges, the aftermath of the June heatwave, and an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the King’s call for unity and humanity may resonate well beyond the National Day festivities.