King Philippe of Belgium is the current monarch, having ascended to the throne on July 21, 2013. He was born on April 15, 1960, and is the eldest son of King Albert II and Queen Paola. As king, Philippe represents the Belgian state and performs various ceremonial duties, while also engaging in social and cultural initiatives. Philippe studied at several prestigious institutions, including Stanford University and the Royal Military Academy. He is married to Queen Mathilde, and they have four children. The king is known for his commitment to promoting unity and stability in Belgium, a country with diverse linguistic and cultural communities.