THE FLYING SAUCER

After Prince Philip became King of Belgium on July 21, 2013, and after his holidays with his wife and the 4 children, King Philip and Queen Mathilde started their "Joyous Entry" in several cities of Belgium. I only had watched one so far, because I also was on holidays and what I watched was the "Joyous Entry" in Mons. As usual they were greeted with great enthusiasm by the population.

A Joyous Entry is a local name used for the royal entry - the first official peaceable visit of a inreigning monarch, prince, duke or governor into a city .The custom began in the Middle Ages and continued until the French Revolution, although less often in Protestant counties after the Reformation. A formal first visit to a city by an inheritor of the throne of Belgium upon his accession and since 1900 for a crown prince upon his marriage, is still referred to as a "Joyous Entry", a reminder of this tradition of the rule of law.



This was the only nice picture of Mathilde when on the façade of the Town Hall, she petted with her husband the Monkey of the Great Guard.  The origin is unknown, but it is now a symbol of the city. Touch his head with your left hand and you will find happiness for at least a year. That's what they did.



After that I could only see the face of King Philip in the crowd and only a half face of Queen Mathilde. It was only a coincidence that our Prime Minister has "Joyous entry" written on his forehead. Maybe it's for an entry of good ideas.



When I only saw a flying saucer instead of a person, I gave up. I thought it really wasn't an appropriate hat to wear for such an occasion. I get the impression that since  she became Queen her hats get bigger and bigger. Before she was mostly hatless or wore little once. After all she has a pretty face and nothing to hide. Or should the flying saucers replace a crown ??