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Queen Paola
Her Majesty Queen Paola was born Princess Ruffo di Calabria, on 11 September 1937, at Forte dei Marmi in Italy. She is the youngest of the seven children of Prince Fulco Ruffo di Calabria, a First World War flying ace, and Countess Luisa Gazelli.
She married Prince Albert of Belgium on 2 July 1959. The couple have three children: King Philippe, Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent.
Upon her husbands ascension of the throne on 9 August 1993, she was styled as Queen Paola. King Albert II announced on 3 July 2013 that he would abdicate in favour of Philippe on 21 July 2013.
Queen Paola loves books, music and travel, particularly in Europe and Africa.
