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
