150e anniversary of Belgium, 1980

Stamps issued to commemorate the 150e anniversary of Belgium. The stamps depict historical events and portraits.

Five Belgium kings are depicted:

Leopold I (1831-1865)

Leopold II (1865-1909)

Albert I (1909-1934)

Leopold III (1934-1951)

Boudewijn I (1951-1993)

Note that none of these were "King of Belgium": their title is "King of the Belgians". The latter phrase indicates a popular monarchy linked to the people of Belgium, whereas the former would indicate standard constitutional or absolute monarchy linked to territory and a state. It is also noteworthy that Belgium is the only current European monarchy that does not apply the tradition best described by the slogan "The king is dead, long live the king!". According to the Belgian constitution, the king only accedes to the throne when he takes a constitutional oath. For example, the present king didn't become monarch on the day on July 31, 1993 (the day his brother died) but on August 9 of that same year (when he took the constitutional oath). In all other current monarchies, the monarch becomes a monarch the moment his predecessor dies or abdicates.

First Day Covers (FDC):

Note: Blanco or airmail envelopes are not shown here but do exist.

Design and editor: S.A. Campo-Rodan N.V., Brussels-Belgium