Monument to Albert I

Albert was not born to the throne, so he had more freedom in private life. He was fond of sports, especially horseback riding and mountaineering, natural sciences and literature. He literally devoured books, reading a few pieces a day on a variety of topics. He also learned to drive a motorcycle and fly an airplane. When he became king, Albert did not change his habits. He avoided pomp, easily received guests, loved to travel and remained a good family man. Throughout World War I, Albert commanded the Belgian army, which resisted the German occupation forces and enabled England and France to prepare more thoroughly for the Battle of the Marne. At the end of the war, Albert and his army had already liberated the country from the invaders and entered Brussels as a hero.