The country which became mine got a new King on Sunday July 21, the National Day. He is the 7th King of Belgium.
The ceremony capped a day of transition which started when Philippe’s father, the 79-year-old Albert, signed away his rights as the kingdom’s largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy. Of course I watched both events on my computer and tried to take pictures, as I was not invited ! Or I didn't get the invitation. Can happen with our mail service
But first they all went for a mass to church., where the whole Royal family and the Government members were present.
I didn't listen what the priest said, but rather looked at the dresses which the Royal females wore.
After the abdication of King Albert, which I missed, I watched the coronation without crown. I was disappointed. King Albert in his last speech thanked his wife for her support and sent her a big kiss; This was quiet unusual but very much appreciated. It just was so cute.
Less than two hours later, the nation got its seventh king when Philippe, 53, pledged to abide by Belgium’s laws and constitution.
The new King astonished all Belgians he made it real good. People had been a little doubtful about his capacities because he is a very reserved person. But on this day he suddenly became another man.
After both had signed, 101 canon shots started in honor of the new king.
They then drove in the open car which they also had used for their marriage, from the parliament to the Royal Palace. Belgium has no golden state coach. Crowds of well-wishers cheered the royal family’s every move, Belgium was happy with the new king.
Then they all appeared on the balcony of the royal Palace in Brussels.
He too thanked his wife Mathilde and they showed themselves as a happy family on the balcony
To have some better pictures I "stole" these somewhere on Internet.
It was a terrible heat (32°C) and it must have been very difficult for all of them and the other participants.
The Queen changed dress 3 times, for the coronation she wore this creme dress, which made us all think of the wedding dress of the old Queen Fabiola which she wore in 1960 ! To greet the people in the Brussels Royal Park she wore a red dress, which was already better and in the evening for the firework a blue one. Usually Mathilde has a very good taste but this time she disappointed a little.
I left my computer and the ceremonies and continued life in the Waterloo Park together with friends and lots of people !
It was a very cheerful atmosphere, lots to eat, drink and dance !
For the children there was a carousel with real little horses and other things to play on.
The day ended with fireworks a very big one in Brussels and a smaller edition in my town.
If you want to have a look here is a BBC video of the coronation
Dang mail service! If your invitation had arrived, you'd have been there and made a regal addition to the proceedings! The new queen looks stuck in the seventies - she is very demure and a classic beauty. Thanks for sharing your country's interesting celebrations with us. Have a good day (to combat that heat, turn on the air conditioning! Ha-ha!) xxx
ReplyDeleteI thought of you when I read that your country had a new King. It was a very short news blurb, so thank you for filling us in about what it was really like. Your Royal Family is certainly very attractive!
ReplyDeleteIt looked like you had wonderful celebrations. I didn't hear about it n the news but then I missed it last night.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been hot for the new king in his jacket and tie.
I wonder if she had a wardrobe rethink as the weather was so hot. Pity the invite got lost in the post but you probably saw more on the TV.
ReplyDeleteYour king and queen are a very handsome and lovely couple. I watched TV all day, and in the mean time I thought how tired they must have been after such a long day full of ceremonies.Queen Mathilda is a real classic beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi Gattina .. so pleased you enjoyed the ceremonies and your own home grown one in Waterloo ..
ReplyDeleteI thought her cream dress and the red one in particular were very appropriate - not seeing the blue - I'm not sure!
Cheers - it's raining i need to shut the windows! Hilary
Always nice to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteHistory being made! I, too, would be looking at the dresses!
ReplyDeleteGreat coverage on your part!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFunny we heard nothing about it in Canada. The news was full of the royal birth.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame.
How exciting. I love royalty.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting hat Mathilde is wearing with the cream colored outfit.
a carousel with REAL little horses-wow! cool! glad you enjoyed yourself with friends!
I came home too soon!! I left London on the 20th, your Coronation was the 21st and William and Kate had their son on the 22nd July. Very bad timing on my part.
ReplyDeleteI love all the happiness and inspiration from this glad event!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice respite from all the stress in the world!
Thanks for sharing these!
A+
You see more on TV than you would if you were there, so probably good that your invite got lost! Your new Queen has a very classic beauty - reminds me of Princess Grace of Monaco.
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