Elisabeth of Bavaria

Elisabeth of Bavaria

July 25, 1876 - November 23, 1965

Queen of Belgium

Queen Elisabeth, known as Elisabeth in Bavaria, was the third Queen of Belgium.

She was born on July 25, 1876 as the daughter of Karel in Bavaria and her mother was Maria Josepha of portugal.

Elisabeth met the Belgian Prince Albert at her aunt Sophie's funeral in Bavaria when she was 20 years old.

She married Prince Albert at a young age and Elisabeth became the third German-speaking woman of the Belgian court.

Albert and Elisabeth became King and Queen of Belgium, following the death of Albert's uncle, King Leopold II.

She took on a much more public role than her predecessors, getting involved with many charities and organizations, particularly those in the arts and social welfare.

She often surrounded herself with famous authors and artists, as well as leading scientists of the day.

Her friendly nature, and true care and concern for others, quickly endeared her to the people of Belgium.

Her husband, Albert I, died as a result of a mountaineering accident and due to her German background, Elizabeth did not speak out against the Nazi regime during World War II.

But worked discreetly, helping Jewish children escape deportation as a result she was awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel.