23 JUNE 2005

Just two weeks after ringing in his 71st birthday, Belgium's King Albert basked in both the summer sunshine and the love of his growing family during a royal photo shoot at the Castle of Laeken near Brussels.

All three of the king's children – Crown Prince Philippe, Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent – took part in the special session with their respective spouses, Crown Princess Mathilde , Prince Lorenz and Princess Claire.

But surely what made the event a truly heartwarming, and perhaps unpredictable, occasion was the presence of King Albert and Queen Paola's beloved grandchildren. All eight of the royal offspring, ranging in age from 16-month-old Princess Louise, daughter of Laurent and Claire, to 19-year-old Prince Amadeo, the eldest son of Astrid and her husband Lorenz, were on hand.

And there promises to be more joy in store for the proud grandparents. The crown prince and princess are expecting their third child – a sibling for future queen and current toddler Princess Elisabeth and her younger brother Prince Gabriel – in October.

Crown Prince Philippe has a cuddle with little Princess Elisabeth

Philippe and his wife, Crown Princess Mathilde, will add another member to their growing family in October. Above, the couple with Prince Gabriel and Princess Elisabeth

Loving mum Princess Claire holds her daughter Princess Louise, the youngest of King Albert's eight grandchildren

Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz, standing, and their five children - (left to right) Maria-Laura, Laetitia-Maria, Louisa-Maria, Amedeo and Joachim - in the castle gardens

King Albert II, who celebrated his 71st birthday two weeks ago, strolls with Queen Paola