I am surprised that VRT (the Dutch speaking public channel) just goes on with the regular program. No Breaking News, no special program. In Spain "just" for the Duchess of Alba, TVE could not stop reporting about the life and death of Doña Cayetana FitzJames Stuart y Silva...
I can't believe it. I am zapping Belgian TV and I just see Inspector George Gently and Million Dollar Baby....
The programme 'Ter Zake' (before the movie) was dedicated to her death. It was the same for Albert's abdication announcement btw.Quite a difference indeed. Still, I am sure that more programmes will follow in the next days.
Edit: The VRT is showing a documentary now. Maybe it took some time to change the programming.
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In Ter Zake a former minister said she regretted that the Queen was considered a zealot as she could be quite progressive in many areas. They also said that she denied being a member of opus dei. It was unconventional that she and her husband met & talked often with prositutes, homeless people, AIDS patients etc. She kissed the patients in a time that others were afraid to give them hands. Also with a great inquisitive mind, in science, 3rd world problematics etc. She was even interested in genetic cloning. One commenter said is was a lady of many facets, of many paradoxes and that he wanted to correct the image of the queen.
Another person (Count Paul Buysse) told the anecdote that HM was a big fan of ABBA. 12 years ago he organised a trip to London where HM would see a show with music of the group. However just before the show the palace let it known that they did not consider it a good idea.He also stated that he never knew a couple that were as close as Boudouin and Fabiola.
Graaf Paul Buysse: "Ze dweepte met Abba" - HLN.be
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The Dutch newspapers have the item as their main news too and refer to her as the 'Grand Dame' of the Belgian RF. Her successor was never well known here, but most people knew Fabiola, she and Boudouin were iconic. One of the fairytales she wrote was actually used to make a very popular attraction in the largest attraction park in the country.
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It is expected that the funeral will be a large one, channeling the funeral of her husband. The Prime Minister however still needs to discuss with his ministers.
Koning Filip is nu bij koningin Fabiola | VTM NIEUWS
The funeral will be led by cardinal Danneels.
http://nieuws.vtm.be/binnenland/118890-danneels-zal-begrafenis-voorgaan
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The RVD announced that King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Princess Beatrix heard with great sadness the news of Queen Fabiola's death. Their thoughts are with the Belgian royal family.
Willem-Alexander leeft mee met Belgen | NOS