In 1830, Belgium declared itself independent from the Netherlands. Both of the countries used to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1815-1830.
In his congratulatory message to King Philippe of Belgium, voiced felicitations over anniversary of Belgian National Day and expressed best wished for the King and his people.
Belgian National Day is the national holiday of Belgium celebrated on 21 July each year. It is one of ten public holidays in Belgium.
On the same day in 1830, Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg swore allegiance to the new Belgian constitution, thus becoming the nation's first monarch.
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