European Princess Stuns with Surprise Royal Baby Announcement After Secret Pregnancy

Mar. 15, 2025

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty; Belgian Royal Palace/X

Princess Maria Laura of Belgium has delighted royal watchers with an unexpected announcement — she’s officially a mom!

“Princess Maria Laura and Mr. William Isvy are delighted to announce the birth of their son Albert, born on Sunday 26 January in Brussels. Albert weighs 3.5 kg [7 pounds, 7 ounces] and is doing well, just like his mother,” the palace wrote in a post onX, per an English translation. “The families of the young parents share in their happiness.”

Princess Maria Laura, the daughter of King Philippe’s younger sister, Princess Astrid, married British investment banker William Isvy in a glamorous Brussels wedding in September 2022. While a member of Belgium’s royal family, Maria Laura has always maintained a private life away from the spotlight.

Queen Paola and King Albert of Belgium at Princess Maria Laura’s wedding to William Isvy on Sept. 10, 2022.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

King Albert, 90, was a guest at Maria Laura’s royal wedding two years ago, where the princess married in two ceremonies in Belgium’s capital city. The palace announced Maria-Laura’s engagement to William in December 2021, andThe Brussels Timessaid that the groom was a Paris-born, London-based professional who worked in wealth management.

“Like his future wife, Isvy is a fan of travelling and playing tennis,” the outlet said then.

Princess Maria Laura and William Isvy leave the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula after their wedding on Sept. 10, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

Albert’s initial birth announcement from the palace didn’t disclose whether the child had inherited a royal title as well. The young children of Princess Maria-Laura’s older brother,Prince Amadeo, hold archduke or archduchess titles, but it’s unclear if Maria-Laura has opted for her son to have the same styling. PEOPLE has contacted the palace for further comment.

Princess Maria Laura and William Isvy arrive at Town Hall to get married on Sept. 10, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium.Philip Reynaerts-Royal Belgium Pool/Getty

Philip Reynaerts-Royal Belgium Pool/Getty

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source: people.com