Leopold I of Belgium

Biography

Uncle of Queen Victoria, he turned down the Greek throne first, accepted the new Belgian state 1831. Married Charlotte of Wales, then Louise of Orleans, the French alliance. The 1839 London treaty secured neutrality, the fortress belt. His matchmaking, Victoria to Albert, made him the Nestor of Europe, the cobweb of dynastic diplomacy. Belgium's independent survival his achievement, the dynasty he founded continues with Philippe.