Royal Watch News

Queen Fabiola's death threats

Jan 5, 2010, 12:03 GMT

Belgium's Queen Fabiola has received a new death threat.

Police have launched a fresh investigation after Belgian newspaper La Demiere-heure received another letter containing "clear threats" towards the widow of King Baudouin.

A police spokesman said: "There is a letter and an investigation is underway."

The newspaper revealed yesterday (04.01.10) that it had received a black and white postcard which featured "the same signature" which appeared on earlier threats sent in May and July last year.

Editor-in-chief Hubert Leclercg said: "It contained very clear threats."

Fabiola has always stayed relaxed about these letters and even mocked threats made against her last year.

The elderly royal produced an apple from her handbag at the conclusion of a military parade on the country's national holiday on 21 July, seemingly poking fun at 'William Tell'-style assassination threats that said she would be murdered by crossbow at the event.

However, these threats seemingly took their toll on the queen, and she has avoided several recent royal events because she has been "tired" and unwell.

Last year, Fabiola underwent surgery to correct a thyroid problem and ended up spending weeks in hospital as she battled a serious lung infection and throat problems.