Belgium’s former King Albert II has undergone cancer treatment for the sixth time in 11 years, the Belgian Palace has confirmed.
The 91-year-old royal appeared with visible facial scars at a recent public engagement.
Photographs, published by the Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, showed a scar running from his nose to his upper lip, indicating recent surgery.
The palace confirmed Albert had undergone a preventative procedure for skin cancer, though officials did not specify when the surgery took place.
Belgian’s former monarch, King Albert, has undergone cancer treatment for the sixth time in 11 years
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The images were captured at a Brussels reception last week, marking the former monarch’s first public appearance in five months.
Medical professionals believe Albert’s repeated cancer treatments stem from sun exposure during his frequent holidays to sunnier countries, according to specialists cited by Belgian media.
The former monarch has been treated for cancer on multiple occasions over the past decade.
Albert’s health struggles have been ongoing, with the royal hospitalised in 2023 as a “precautionary measure” after becoming “dehydrated”.
The Belgian palace confirmed Albert had received a preventative procedure for skin cancer
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He remained in hospital for several days and was visited by his son, King Philippe, who cancelled an appearance at the University of Ghent.
The following year, Albert fell ill whilst at his holiday home in France, requiring him to remain in the country for his recovery before returning to Belgium for his 90th birthday.
The appearance at the Brussels reception revealed the extent of Albert’s latest medical procedure, with the scar prominently visible in published photographs.
The timing of the surgery remains unclear, though the palace has confirmed it was a preventative measure for skin cancer.
Albert abdicated in 2013 due to health concerned in favour of Belgium’s current reigning monarch, King Philippe
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Albert’s absence from public engagements over the past five months had not been officially explained until these images emerged.
The former monarch, who abdicated in 2013, citing health concerns among his reasons, has maintained a reduced public schedule in recent years alongside his wife, Queen Paola, 85.
His return to public duties comes as his son, King Philippe, continues his reign as King of the Belgians.
Albert cited his health as one of the reasons behind his decision to abdicate the throne in 2013, passing the crown to his son Philippe.
Crown Princess Elisabeth’s future in the US is currently in the balance
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Speaking to the BBC at the time, Albert said: “I realise that my age and my health are no longer allowing me to carry out my duties as I would like to. Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me.”
In a recent interview, his son King Philippe addressed speculation about his own potential abdication in favour of his daughter, Princess Elisabeth. “A King steps back, but is not retired,” he said.
“I will continue to work for Belgium, and I must give my daughter time to enjoy her youth, develop herself and see the world and I support her 100 per cent in that,” Philippe confirmed.
The news comes as Crown Princess Elisabeth’s future in the US remains in limbo as President Donald Trump’s attempted ban on Harvard University enrolling private students.
Elisabeth has waived any royal privilege on the matter in solidarity with her fellow international students.
