Belgium's former queen Fabiola, the Spanish-born widow of king Baudouin, who was at the center of a recent row over her yearly allowance, died on Friday at the age of 86, the palace said.

"Their majesties the king and queen and members of the royal family announce with very great sadness the death of Her Majesty Queen Fabiola this evening at Stuyvenberg Castle in Brussels," a statement from the royal palace of King Philippe said.