Leopold I of Belgium

Following Belgium's independence from the Netherlands, the National Congress elected Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as king. He accepted the throne on condition of a constitutional monarchy and took the oath on July 21, 1831.

Leopold I married Princess Louise of Orl

Leopold I strongly supported railway construction in Belgium. The first continental European railway opened between Brussels and Mechelen in 1835, and Belgium developed one of the densest rail networks in the world.

Leopold I secured the Treaty of London, which guaranteed Belgian neutrality and independence. The treaty was signed by the major European powers and remained in force until Germany violated it in 1914.

Leopold I used his extensive family connections to influence European politics. He advised his niece Queen Victoria and helped arrange the marriage of his nephew Prince Albert to Victoria, strengthening British-Belgian relations.