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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JULY 21: Belgium marked the 194th anniversary of its founding on Monday, July 21 with a series of official ceremonies and public events across the capital, Brussels.The National Day celebrations began with a traditional religious service at the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, attended by King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and their children Gabriel, Elisabeth, Eleonore, and Emmanuel, along with other dignitaries and guests.Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, and Defense Minister Theo Francken were also present at the ceremony. Members of the public greeted the royal family with warm applause at the end of the event.A military parade followed the royal appearance, and Belgian Air Force aircraft performed low flyovers across the celebration zone.The Royal Park in central Brussels (Parc Royal) served as the focal point for public festivities, which included concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. Major institutions such as the Federal Parliament, Palace of Justice, Court of Auditors, churches, and museums opened their doors to the public for the occasion.Belgium commemorates its National Day on July 21 each year in honor of the accession of its first monarch, King Leopold I, in 1831.(Footage by Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)