London, 12 March 2025 – A distinguished gathering took place at the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador in London on Wednesday evening, celebrating the launch of an ambitious restoration project for the historic gardens and orchard of Hougoumont Farm, a key site of the Battle of Waterloo.
The exclusive dinner was hosted by HE Mr. Jeroen Cooreman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United Kingdom, and Mr. Motonobu Kasajima, General Representative of Wallonia-Brussels. The evening was graced by the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium, alongside His Grace the Duke of Wellington, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the project.
The restoration, led by the Kléber Rossillon Waterloo, the company that manages the “Domaine de la Bataille de Waterloo”, began with the successful renovation of the farm’s buildings in time for the Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015. The initiative aims to transform the gardens and orchard into a sustainable educational biosphere and eco-garden, ensuring the preservation of this landmark for future generations.
During the evening, guests learned about the project’s vision to enhance the natural beauty of the site while fostering ecological awareness.
“The Waterloo battlefield is a cornerstone of Belgian heritage. Preserving this is essential, but this project goes beyond mere conservation: it is about safeguarding, promoting and passing on a shared European heritage that unites our two nations for future generations. This project is also an opportunity to build an even closer strategic partnership between Belgium and the UK.“ underlined Minister-President of Wallonia, Adrien Dolimont.
The Duke of Wellington, whose ancestor played a pivotal role in the Battle of Waterloo, commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining such sites for historical reflection and environmental stewardship.
The event successfully raised awareness and support for the project, with guests reaffirming their dedication to the preservation of one of Europe’s most iconic battlegrounds.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact: s.borio@delwalbru.be
