Albert Leopold Clemente Maria Meinard of Belgium (b. Brussels, 1875 - d. Marche-les-Dames, 1934) was the son of Prince Philip, Count of Flanders and grandson of King Leopold I (Belgium). He was married to the Duchess of Bavaria, Elisabeth Gabrielle Valérie Marie (b.1876, d.1965), niece of the Empress "Sissi" of Austria and granddaughter of the deposed king D. Miguel I of Portugal. Prince Albert stopped at Madeira Island on April 7th, 1909, on board the English steamboat "Armandale Castle", on his trip to the Independent State of Congo.

He was greeted by the 27th infantry division as well as by the civil governor of Madeira, João de Paiva, the general secretary of the civil government, advisor Dr. António Jardim de Oliveira, the military commander, colonel Joaquim Maria Alves, captain João Augusto da Costa Cabedo and the consul of Belgium, Commander Carlos de Bianchi. Curiously, he celebrated his 34th birthday on the following day and in December was crowned king of Belgium.

Although he paid a one day visit, he spent some time at the "Monte Palace Hotel" and returned to Funchal on a sledge.

Credits: Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente’s.

Prince Albert Leopold of Belgium and official entities at the Funchal pier | VVP / 48

Prince Albert Leopold of Belgium and his companions at Praça da Constituição (now Avenida Arriaga) | VVP / 21

Prince Albert Leopold of Belgium and his companions at Praça da Constituição (now Avenida Arriaga) | VVP / 22