Belgium mourns jazz great Toots Thielemans

"The big jazz orchestra in the sky is now complete. His life was temporary, his music for eternity," tweeted the Belgian deputy prime minister Kris Peeters this morning after hearing that jazz legend Toots Thielemans had passed. The Belgian government, Royal Palace and numerous well-known Belgians also sent their condolences to the musician's family and friends, mainly via Twitter.

Belgian prime minister Charles Michel paid a "tribute to a great artist and a warm personality," and wished Thielemans' relatives strength with their loss. Justice minister Koen Geens called Thielemans Belgium's greatest jazz musician. "A great man, who seemed eternal, is now truly a legend," he said.

Thielemans was given the honourary title of baron by King Albert II in 2001. Two years ago, the musician paid a visit to the new King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in the Royal Castle of Laeken (pictured).

The famous harmonica player died this morning in his sleep. He was rehabilitating after a fall in which he broke his shoulder. Thielemans was 94 years old.