Royal stipends come with strict code of conduct

The recent reform of the stipend system for members of the royal family includes a code of conduct for their recipients - Albert, Fabiola, Astrid (pictured) and Laurent, Le Soir and De Standaard report. The bill, signed by the eight political parties involved in the most recent State reform, was submitted to the commons yesterday. It stipulates that members of the royal family " can take part in public meetings or gatherings (…) as long as they are not prejudicial to the dignity and respectability of their duties or threaten their neutrality." All travels outside of the European Economic Area must also be reported to the foreign affairs minister, who may impose certain conditions, depending on political circumstances. Finally, members of the royal family must "exercise restraint in the public expression of their opinions, regardless of the circumstances or the medium involved." In case of infringement to the code of conduct, the government may, after hearing the person concerned, suggest a stipend deduction to the commons.