King Philippe and Queen Mathilde must implement a €2 million reduction in the Belgian royal family’s annual budget due to new austerity measures led by Bart de Wever.Discussions with the federal government could affect royal palace public openings and cultural initiatives abroad as the monarchy adjusts to a 4.6% cut over four years.Norman Baker compares this to the British monarchy’s significantly higher spending, noting the Sovereign Grant’s rise and Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of planned reductions.