Funeral Of King Baudouin I

[Hannelore]

No, it was each individual's personal choice.

[Von Schlesian]

Originally Posted by bct88

It is known, as can be seen in the photographs, that Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wore the wrong order. I believe he wore an African order. The Order of the Leopard? instead of the Order of Leopold I. I was wondering at the time if this was commented upon in the press? And, did it cause any friction personally or diplomatically between the British Royal Family and Belgium or the Belgian Royals? It's just something that one doesn't expect to happen. You would expect that a mistake like that would not be made, especially seeing as how it was the spouse of the British monarch, and it was the only funeral she attended outside of Britain.

Indeed HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wore the Order of the Leopard (military), of the republic of Zaire. It's believed that the mix-up was simply caused by someone having mistaken the hand-writing of 'Leopard' with 'Leopold'. It was an honest mistake, but I believe the valet got a sharp talking to, or at least certainly recieved typed instructions thereafter.

I doubt that such a mistake would have drawn much attention from the other guests, many of who were wearing the Order of Leopold I. It was a rather unexpected death, and most would have been more concerned with HM King Albert and HM Queen Fabiola.

[Royal Fan]

Wonder if Albert II Will have a Funeral as Large as this just wondering (I Wish him many years)

[LadyLeana]

Originally Posted by Hannelore

No, it was each individual's personal choice.

That's not true, I'm afraid.
It was Fabiola's special request that nobody should wear black or hats. Unfortunately, some did not comply. Probably because she made them all walk behind the coffin towards the church

Queen Fabiola wore white clothes because she wanted to give a message of hope. She did not want to mourn his death, but celebrate his life.

Boudewijn was, at that time, the longest reigning monarch in Europe, so many people knew him, and many important people came to his funeral to pay their respects.

[Royal Fan]

He seems a good man very Intelligent. :)