The château, which occupies the site of a former priory, is owned by the Belgian Royal Trust.

According to the legend, Aleydis was inspired by Saint Thomas of Aquin, who is said to have been a guest at Val-Duchesse.

It was the first priory for women in the Low Countries that followed the rule of Saint Dominic and was generously donated by Aleydis and other noble ladies.

The priory further flourished and gained considerable wealth thanks to the generous gifts of numerous royal and noble families.

[1] Since World War II, Val-Duchesse has played an important role as a venue for negotiations in Belgian and European politics.