Sophie Wilmès' husband dies from brain cancer

The husband of former prime minister Sophie Wilmès has died, a year after Wilmès resigned from her post in order to be at his side during his battle against brain cancer.

Christopher Stone was 64 years old and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in early 2022, La Libre reports.

Wilmès submitted her resignation from the federal government to King Philippe in July 2022, explaining that she needed to put her duties on hold to be closer to her husband.

On 1 May, Wilmès announced that she would make a return to politics and lead the MR list in Brussels in the 2024 elections.

Wilmès and Stone lived in Brussels for a long time, before moving to Sint-Genesius-Rode with their three daughters a few years ago. Stone also had a son from a previous relationship

An Australian businessman, he was formerly vice-president of the Belgian branch of Australian Business in Europe.

He had previously played Australian rules football with St Kilda and remained an active member of the Royal Brussels Cricket Club.