Funeral held for Fabiola, Belgium's dowager queen

BRUSSELS — Many of Europe's reigning families joined ordinary Belgians on Friday to mark the passing of Fabiola, Belgium's former queen, who died last week at age 86.

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, the former monarchs of Spain, were among 1,300 people who attended funeral services at the Brussels cathedral.

Fabiola, who survived her husband, King Baudouin, by 11 years, was buried in the royal crypt at Laeken.

Spanish-born Fabiola, who died Dec. 5, was often referred to as the "Queen of all Belgians."

Belgian media said Empress Michiko of Japan and Princess Sirindhom of Thailand also attended Friday's service.