BRUSSELS, Apr 15 – Belgium\’s Crown Prince Philippe, who celebrated his 50th birthday Thursday, has insisted that a commemorative stamp represents him with his recently acquired beard, the post office magazine reported.
The son of King Albert II has sported the facial hair since last year and will be represented "with beard at his express request," according to the monthly Philanews.
Philippe Leopold Louis Marie, Duke of Brabant, was born on April 15 1960, married in 1999 and now has four children.
Prince Philippe has regularly faced criticism for some gaffes and a perceived authoritarian tendency. His supporters say his performance can be put down to his natural shyness.