Brussels-After 12 years championing Belgian economic interests abroad, Princess Astrid is stepping down as head of the country’s foreign trade missions, the royal palace announced today. The decision, prompted by medical advice, highlights the demanding nature of the role which requires extensive international travel and high-level engagement with business leaders [[1]]. While the palace has stated the health concerns are not life-threatening, this marks the second time in recent years that Princess Astrid has adjusted her public duties due to health-related issues [[2]].
Brussels – Princess Astrid of Belgium is stepping down from her role leading the country’s foreign trade missions, the palace announced today. The decision comes after advice from her doctors, who determined she is no longer able to fully meet the demands of the position.
According to a palace statement, the princess’s health concerns do not involve a life-threatening illness. The move underscores the significant energy and stress associated with leading the high-profile economic delegations.
Princess Astrid has headed Belgium’s economic missions abroad for the past 12 years, a role that involves extensive travel and engagement with international business leaders. The palace emphasized that she will continue to participate in other royal duties.
This is not the first time health concerns have prompted a pause in the princess’s official engagements. In 2018, Princess Astrid took a four-month leave of absence due to severe sleep problems and stress, reportedly taking her responsibilities during the missions very seriously.
“On the advice of her doctors, she wishes to relinquish this role due to health reasons, which no longer allow her to fully meet the requirements of this function,” the palace statement read.
