Palais Royal. Place des Palais. (From mid-June to mid-September from 09:00 to 17:00). Plot <M> Tel 02 551 2020. Until 1731, this was the site of the former ducal palace, burnt down two family residences built by the architect Louis Montoyer. The work was completed in 1829 and again in 1862 during the tenure of the Duke of Brabant, future King Leopold II. The building was extended and modified interior decoration by the architect Balat. Currently not used as a royal residence, as the king and his family live in the Royal Castle of Laeken, outside Brussels. It is interesting to watch the changing of the guard that occurs several times a day. ROYAL PALACE AT DAWN