Posted by Jane
on 5/11/2009, 1:52:35, in reply to "Prince Filip and Depression"
96.230.171.81
--Previous Message--
: I was wondering, correct me if I am wrong.
: Wasnot Prince Filip in depression when he
: meet mathilde?
:
: I can vaguely remember that persons were
: saying that he was in depression because he
: was under a lot of pressure to find a
: suitable wife?
:
: Can anyone shed some light on that.
: Thanks
Where did you hear this? I find this fact somewhat surprising -- especially the reason. After all: by the time Filip and Mathilde met (around 1996, it has been stated), the succession law had already changed.
And in fact, the dynasty was secured with the births of Princess Astrid's first four children (remember that the new law was absolute primogeniture, applied retroactively). So there were seven dynasts in line to the Belgian throne.
Moreover, the princess was so highly popular that there was even speculation that perhaps her older brother might step aside in the succession, so that she and her family would assume the throne after their father, King Albert II.
Of course, it was just that -- speculation. Practically speaking, it was hardly an issue: whether or not Filip was to remain a lifelong bachelor, he was to become the eventual king, period.
If anything, I should think that the change in succession law would have taken the pressure off Filip to marry and produce heirs -- precisely because the throne was secured. As such, he had the leisurely time to find a suitable wife.