King sends letter to family of oldest man in Belgium after his death: “Deep respect for his efforts” (Sint-Niklaas)

The family of Albert Van Raemdonck, who died last month, received a personal expression of condolence this week from none other than His Majesty King Philippe.

READ ALSO. Belgium’s oldest man (107) died in a residential care center in Sint-Niklaas: “Socially committed family man with his heart in the right place”

Van Raemdonck died on April 21 last month at the age of 107 in the Ennea residential care center in Sint-Niklaas. At that time, he was the oldest man in Belgium and, as the oldest veteran, he was also active for many decades in the National Veterans Union and numerous other patriotic associations. He was buried on April 27 in the presence of delegations from numerous veteran associations. (Read more below the photo)

It was Patric Gorrebeeck, a good friend of Albert and his family, who also informed the Royal House of Van Raemdonck’s death. The family now received a personal response from King Philip, in which he expressed his personal condolences. “The monarch is struck by his impressive life history,” the Royal Palace said in a letter.

“The monarch is struck by Albert Van Raemdonck’s impressive life history, years of dedication as a standard bearer of the National Fighters’ Union and participation in the 18-day campaign during the Second World War,” the letter from the Royal Palace reads. “The passing of a veteran never leaves the king unmoved. He has deep gratitude for everyone who risked their lives for our country.”