Belgium’s King Albert, 91, Begins Sixth Cancer Fight: What We Know
Brace yourself, because this is one royal health saga you won’t want to miss—Belgium’s King Albert, now 91, is entering his sixth round of cancer treatment, the Palace confirmed this week. Picture me bouncing off the walls like I just had a quadruple espresso, because honey, this news is both heart-wrenching and hopeful all at once!
First, the official word landed via a statement from the Belgian Royal Palace on July 8, 2024, noting that Albert II has begun therapy after the cancer resurfaced. According to People magazine and Reuters, this marks his sixth encounter with the disease, which was first detected back in 2009. Yes, you read that right—six times over fifteen years! His very first battle was against prostate cancer, treated successfully with radiation therapy. Then came recurrences in 2011, 2015, 2019 and again in late 2021. Now, armed with a team of specialists at Brussels’ Erasmus Hospital, he’s once more stepping into the ring.
Sources from BBC News and Euronews remind us that Albert abdicated in 2013 in favor of his son, Philippe, but he’s remained a beloved figurehead, ever-present at national ceremonies and quietly supporting numerous charities. Queen Paola, his wife of nearly six decades, has been at his side every step of the way—offering comfort during long nights and stoically greeting well-wishers on palace grounds.
Here’s the tea on his current regimen: oncology experts tell Reuters he’ll undergo a targeted protocol combining hormone therapy with precision radiotherapy, designed to curb tumor growth while preserving quality of life. Insider chatter in People reveals that his medical team is optimistic, citing stable blood markers during pre-treatment exams. And get this: in a rare move for royal communications, we might see more frequent health bulletins from the Palace so that worried fans and journalists won’t spin into conspiracy overdrive (I’m looking at you, tabloids).
Naturally, social media exploded within minutes of the announcement. #GetWellKing trended across Europe, with messages pouring in from world leaders and citizens alike. Belgian PM Alexander De Croo tweeted his solidarity, while neighbors in Brussels have reportedly left flowers at the palace gates. It’s heartwarming if you’re into public displays of support—totally made me tear up over my cappuccino.
Of course, no recap of this epic journey would be complete without mentioning his legacy: a modern monarch who steered Belgium through economic storms, constitutional reforms and international diplomacy. Even at 91, his resilience shines as bright as ever—proof you’re never too old to fight for your life.
Whew—my heart can’t take much more! I swear, I could talk about this all day. For now, I’m off to refill my mug and keep an eye on palace bulletins.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People magazine, Reuters, BBC News, Euronews
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
