Born in Brussels as the second (but eldest surviving) son of Leopold I and, he succeeded his father to the throne in 1865 and reigned for 44 years until his death.
Born in Brussels as the second (but eldest surviving) son of Leopold I and, he was the first Cousin of Queen Victoria and Prince-Consort Albert. He succeeded his father to the Belgian throne in 1865 and reigned for 44 years until his death.