I want to dedicated this day post to a special icon of Europe, perhaps she is not so much famous like another royals, anyway I think she has a strong personality and a very chic style which marked a trend. I am talking about Queen Paola of Belgium, the "Dolce Paola".
Elegant Paola of Lieja (now Queen of Belgium) in 1962
Queen Paola of Belgium, consort of King Albert II of Belgium was born as Paola Margherita Giuseppina Maria Consiglia Ruffo di Calabria, the youngest child of Prince Fulco Ruffo di Calabria (an aviator during World War I) and Countess Luisa Maria Gazelli di Rossana e di Sebastiano. She was born in one of the most noble and ancient families in Italy, and was hailed one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe in the '60s. She was fluent Italian, French, German, and English.
Paola met the then Prince Albert of Belgium in Rome at a reception at the Belgian embassy, during the inauguration of Pope John XIII. He made his discreet inquiry about the blond beauty. "Oh, that's Paola," said a noblewoman haughtily. "She is nice, but so shy that you hardly know whether she's around or not."
Two months later, they were married at St. Goedele Cathedral in Brussels. When she arrived to Brussels for the first time, Paola quickly won the hearts of the Belgian people. Her beaming smile earned her the nickname the "Sunshine Princess".
Being the wife of the Prince of Liege, Princess Paola had only few public roles. There was King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola. However, when it became clear that Queen Fabiola would not bear children, Prince Albert and Princess Paola's public appearances became frequent. Paola was frequently seen attending occasions with Albert or with Queen Fabiola.
But her first few years in Belgium were difficult. She was homesick and lonely, and had difficulty adapting to her new life as a princess. There was nobody to guide her. Her husband was constantly away with his work and motor bikes. Queen Paola once said: "At that time, I really would have wanted Queen Astrid to be there."
Albert and Paola during a holidays in Italy in the early 60s
Around 1982
As King and Queen of Belgium in early 90s
Princess Paola bore three children: Philippe, Astrid, and Laurent.
Albert and Paola's marriage started off happily, but by the late '60s, things were going wrong between the couple. They were allegedly having their share of affairs and scandals. They decided to live apart, and there were even rumors of a divorce, but that did not happen. Later in the '80s, things were starting to improve between the couple, until they finally had a reconciliation, due to the help of their two eldest children and King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola.
Loving mother with Prince Phillip
She became one of the glamorous and best-dressed royals of her time, and the paparazzi followed her everywhere. She was so lovely and charming enough to even inspire the Italian-Belgian singer Salvatore Adamo to composed a song especially for her: "Dolce Paola"
Paola (Princess of Lieja in that time) and Grace of Monaco
during an official visit in 1966
In the 1970s
In 1993, King Baudouin died, and Prince Albert and Paola became the new King and Queen of Belgium. Their marriage had grown stronger over the years, and now they were a devoted couple. During an interview, Queen Paola said: "We had our difficulties, but now we say that we are made for each other." In 2009, King Albert and Queen Paola celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
