Born in 1874, Princess Marie-Louise de Beauffremont-Courtenay becomes Princess Jean de Merode at the age of 23, after her marriage. While convention may have hidden her own name, she is the woman Brussels chose to honour. 

When the First World War breaks out, Marie-Louise heads the Belgian Red Cross. From the first days of the conflict, she cares for wounded soldiers in Brussels hospitals. But she quickly realises that medical care alone won’t be enough. Behind the physical wounds are lives that need rebuilding. 

So, she takes action. In her private mansion in rue aux Laines/Wolstraat, she organises emergency relief. In Woluwe she creates a school where wounded soldiers can learn a trade, from watchmaking and mechanics, to gardening and shoe repair. 

After the war, her work earns national recognition. And when the Second World War breaks out, she once again steps forward with the same determination. 

For over 40 years, she devotes herself to veterans and their families. Supporting families and securing disability benefits from the government. Her dedication is such that those she helps give her a nickname: “the mother of the disabled”. 

In 1956, one year after her death, Brussels names square Princesse Jean de Merode in her honour. Later, the nearby metro station takes the name Merode too. 

Next time you pass by, remember Marie-Louise. A woman whose own name faded from history, but whose dedication changed thousands of lives.