Relationships of the Belgian Royal Women

[White Princess]

I think it was Queen Fabiola personal desicion to leave Laken Palace after her husband's death. Since she was no longer the queen consort to the current king, she had to recude her apparences to not overshadow Queen Paola. But my question is... why Fabiola does not allow Paola to wear her tiaras? She doesn't wear them anymore.

[amedea]

One of Fabiola's tiara is the wedding gift from the Spanish government: not sure it would be correct to lend it and to borrow it.

[Lumutqueen]

But it's her present, why can't she let someone else wear? It belongs to Fabiola and she could let a homeless person wear it if she wanted.
I do understand what your saying that it was a gift and might have sentimental value, but the majority of tiaras in every royal families were once a gift to someone.

[maria-olivia]

Queen Fabiola moved when she was ready to do, six years after King Baudouin's death.
It is only in Belgium that a sister in law takes the Queen's place. Having no children Fabiola remains Queen Fabiola .
During official events Queen Paola , the actual Queen is on the King's right side and Queen Fabiola on his left side.
Why I was disapointed is that Queen Fabiola has a great admiration and affection for King Albert who succeeded so well as King of the Belgians.
Normally it was Philippe the King after Baudouin. Unfortunaltely he died at 63 years old and Albert and Paola are our unexpected King and Queen.
The most important activity of Fabiola is the Queen Elisabeth's Music competition. During the first competition in 1994 , Fabiola received a standing ovation and she cried.
I never heard about an ACTUAL bad relationship between the 2 Queens. I agree they were before between Queen Fabiola and Paola Princess of Liege.
Let us hope King Albert II will have a long life.. If not we will have 3 Queens!

[rominet09]

NO it was not Philippe turn after Baudouin, the constitution is very clear, it was Albert who had to become King... for Philippe becoming King immediately, Albert would have had to resign the function (I hope my English is not too bad here !)

[fancatt]

I just found this picture.
It shows support and friendship... was in 1993.


http://www.corbisimages.com/Enlargem...&caller=search

[Lumutqueen]

All four people in that picture look incredible sleepy.

[Al_bina]

The photo appears to be unfortunate. The Belgian Royal family looked bored and tired.

[*Mara*]

This picture is taken 8 days after Baudouin’s unexpected and tragic death. It shows a heartbroken family watching Albert taking the oath.

[Lumutqueen]

IMO they don't look heartbroken but like Al_Bina said, really bored.
This was taken at the enthronement ceremony yes? How long is that?

[Warren]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

All four people in that picture look incredible sleepy.

Originally Posted by Al_bina

The photo appears to be unfortunate. The Belgian Royal family looked bored and tired.

Pictures may be worth a thousand words but it helps to know the context before jumping to misplaced conclusions.

The photograph was taken on 9 August 2003 at the swearing into office of King Albert. It was nine days after the sudden and unexpected death of King Badouin and just two days after the late King's funeral. Understandably, the family aren't jumping for joy at Albert's good fortune, rather Queens Fabiola and Paola, the Duke of Brabant and Princess Astrid are emotionally drained and in deepest mourning for a beloved husband, brother-in-law, uncle and King.

[Warren]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

IMO they don't look heartbroken but like Al_Bina said, really bored.

*Mara* has explained it to you Lumutqueen.
Rather than continuing to demonstrate great insensitivity at a photograph of a visibly distraught family in mourning, how about quitting before you dig yourself deeper.

[Katrianna]

Thank you Warren. The photograph was so touching and all one has to do is read the caption as to the event.

[fancatt]

Exactly Katrinna, that was my point.
Just wanted to reveal a picture that showed support, even affection, between the two queens, in a phase of change in their lives. Between the joy of a new king and the sadness of losing another... as you say "so touching".
:)

[maria-olivia]

Before King Albert II swore somebody (I wount' tell is name) cried :" Vive la république".
Or it happened before when Baudouin as Prince Royal (not as King) startet to swore..It was pathetic .. he put his hand back with deep sadiness , he was only 20 years all.. He receided an ovation but it was a personal attack.
The man who cried "Vive la République " died the day afer in strange condtions.
It was therefore they looked hardbroken; particulary Queen Fabiola who kwew how her late husband suffered from this in his young days

[Moonmaiden23]

Originally Posted by Warren

Pictures may be worth a thousand words but it helps to know the context before jumping to misplaced conclusions.

The photograph was taken on 9 August 2003 at the swearing into office of King Albert. It was nine days after the sudden and unexpected death of King Badouin and just two days after the late King's funeral. Understandably, the family aren't jumping for joy at Albert's good fortune, rather Queens Fabiola and Paola, the Duke of Brabant and Princess Astrid are emotionally drained and in deepest mourning for a beloved husband, brother-in-law, uncle and King.

Thank you Warren. Only two days previous the BRF had endured a very long, emotional and painfully draining State Funeral for the much loved King...so if they did look tired no one should be surprised.

Anyone can go into the "Baudouin and Fabiola" or "Royal Funerals" thread and see photos of the BRF at the airport receiving the late King's remains from Spain(they were literally all physically holding one another up!) and you can see photos of them inside the Cathedral during the Requiem Mass..they all had the same exhausted, drained look...especially Queen Fabiola.