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Belgium celebrates royal baby

Elisabeth: Born by Caesarean two weeks early

The little princess, whose full name is Elisabeth Therese Marie Helene, is the first child of Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde.

She was born in Brussels on Thursday, two weeks early, by Caesarean section.

Princess Elisabeth now becomes second-in-line to succeed King Albert II, after a 1991 change in the law allowed women to ascend to the throne.

Historic event

Belgium has had six male monarchs since the country gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830.

The monarch's role in Belgium is largely ceremonial.

"I'm very proud of our little daughter. She really is adorable, a real little lady," Crown Prince Philippe said.

"I hope my daughter will be a great queen, but first of all, a great woman."

Cannons fired 101 rounds in her honour outside the royal palace on Friday.

Previously, newborn royal girls were given only a 51 rounds salute.

Regional unity

Belgians put aside their regional rivalries to unite in celebrations.

Both Belgium's Flemish and French-speaking Walloon communities regard the royal family as a symbol of unity.

Philippe won Belgian hearts with his marriage to an aristocrat, Mathilde d'Ukedem d'Acoz in 1999, who has Flemish roots and a Francophone upbringing.

Elisabeth's birth is expected to further boost his popularity.

Mathilde had just enough time to telephone Philippe after going into labour, calling him out of a meeting with Belgian business leaders.

King Albert, rushed to the hospital from the Ardennes forest on hearing the news.