Belgian Nobility - Foreign Noble Families Residing in Belgium

Foreign Noble Families Residing in Belgium

In addition to the families mentioned above, a number of noble families originated from outside Belgium, but have since obtained Belgian nationality after residing for a long time (sometimes for many generations) in Belgium. Most of these families have come from neighbouring European monarchies (France, Holland, Germany) at various stages of history. These have usually (but not always) asked for equivalent nobility titles within the Kingdom of Belgium, which were typically granted.

A number of noble families residing in Belgium originate beyond the current European Union borders (Russia) or even outside Europe (Korea, Japan). Many of these families used to possess nobility titles in their country of origin, which have not always been converted into official Belgian nobility titles. In some cases, some families did not want a Belgian title because they hoped their stay in Belgium would be only temporary. This was the case for many Russian nobles, who were exiled after the October Revolution.

In other cases, some families did not make the request for conversion either by pride or because the cultural differences make such conversions less obvious.

Despite being of foreign origins, the above noble families belong fully to the Belgian elite and many are well integrated into the society. Many of these families have been in Belgium for so long, intermarrying with Belgian nobility, that they are more Belgian than foreign in blood (e.g. de Lobkowicz, de Radiguès de Chenneviere, Arrazola de Oñate). Moreover, the family names have often been frenchified by adding particles such as de.