page_title: Belgian nobility
section_title: Structure of the Belgian nobility
hierarchical_section_title: Belgian nobility / Structure of the Belgian nobility
caption_attribution_description: English: THE KREMLIN, MOSCOW. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium Bertrand de Crombrugghe de Picquendaele presents his letter of credentials to the President of Russia. Русский: МОСКВА, КРЕМЛЬ. Верительную грамоту Президенту России вручает посол Королевства Бельгия Бертран де Кромбрюгге де Пикендал.
context_page_description: The Belgian nobility comprises individuals and families recognized by the Kingdom of Belgium as members of a certain social class. Historically, these individuals were a socially privileged class enjoying a degree of prestige in society. In contemporary society, much of the historic social privileges associated with being a member of the nobility have become somewhat reduced, reflecting the more egalitarian nature of the present-day.
  The Belgian constitution states that no specific privileges are attached to bearing a title of nobility.
context_section_description: Characteristically the Belgian nobility is structured and ranked very formally. These ranks are still important in social life and ceremonial life at court.
  The royal house does not belong to the Belgian nobility, it is not of Belgian origin and is considered to be above the social class that is the nobility.
caption: The ambassador Bertrand de Crombrugghe de Picquendaele
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