"King Filip is ordinary guy”

"In less than a year's time King Filip has given the monarchy a fresh, young and dynamic profile. The Belgian royal house has edged much closer to reality."

Somewhat bizarrely, given the late King Boudewijn's lack of issue, Prof Van den Wijngaert says that like his late uncle the new king will portray himself not only as head of state but also as a family man. In a reference to the old king's child born out of wedlock the academic adds: "King Albert failed to do this because of the life he led, something he had to admit during one of his last speeches."

Mark Van den Wijngaert stresses how complimentary King Filip and Queen Mathilde are: "He comes up trumps when it's got to do with content, while she reigns supreme with regard to how the royal couple are seen. King Filip is doing everything to conquer his legendary stiffness."

By taking part in the race Dwars door Brussel King Filip showed he was a Belgian like so many others.

The former Ghent University lecturer is far less charitable for the role played by old King Albert after he abdicated last year: "King Albert abdicated of his own free will, but has refused to draw the necessary conclusions. He is a jammer involved in rear-guard actions. This is so painful for King Filip, who is eager to let some fresh air blow through Laken castle."

Prof Van den Wijngaert also points to King Albert's official who was packed off to Premier Di Rupo to complain about the old king's grant from the civil list.