The Chargé d'affaires a.i. Saud bin Sultan AlBinali representing the State of Qatar in Brussels participated in the coronation ceremony of Prince Philippe King of Belgium succeeding his father Albert II, who abdicated after a reign that lasted 20 years.

 Several ambassadors accredited to Brussels and a number of European senior officials, at the forefront the President of the European Commission, Jose Barroso, participated in this  ceremony that coincided with the Belgian National Day.

 The coronation of the new King Philippe, 53 years old, comes just months before of a crucial election for the country in the next year, and as the Flemish nationalists lead by Bart De Wever (NVA) who sought for more powers for the benefit of the rich province of Northern Flanders.

 In Belgium, the Constitution stipulates that the King (reigns but does not rule) however he enjoys a unique position thanks to its official German origins. He does not belong to any Belgian confession and does not belong to any political party which is actual governed by various components.