Belgian National Day - 21 July 2009
 

Here's a place to post information, pics etc. of the Belgian National Day of 2009.

Current plans according to the website of the Belgian royal family:

- 20 July: the entire royal family attend a concert at the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, entitled "Preludium to the National Day", organized by the Belgian National Orchestra and the International Queen Elisabeth Contest.

- 21 July:
- morning:
King Albert, Queen Paola, Queen Fabiola, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde attend the Te Deum at the St. Michael and St. Gudule Cathedral in Brussels
Prinses Astrid and Prince Lorenz attend the Te Deum at the Our Lady Cathedral in Antwerp
Prince Laurent and Princess Claire attend the Te Deum at Collegiale Sint-Waudru in Mons


- afternoon:
- the entire family attends the military défilé around 15:00

After the defilé, the King and Queen will visit the booths of the Royal Warrant Holders.
Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde will visit the UNICEF booths in the Warande-park.
Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz will visit the stands of the Police at the Poelaertplein.
Prince Laurent and Princess Claire will visit the stands of the army at the Grote Zavel/Grande Sable.

In the evening, the royals will attend the fireworks at the Paleizenplein.

see here for the info in Dutch / French

Due to the attack on Queen Beatrix last April, and the recent threats to kill Queen Fabiola, the security measures for the Belgian royals will be elevated. No less than 120 extra policemen will be employed to keep the Belgian royals safe.
See here for an article in French.

DEATH THREATS TRIGGER GREATER SECURITY (English)
Videozone

"Thinking of people who lost their job"

Mon 20/07/2009 - 12:05
King Albert has addressed the people of Belgium on the eve of Belgium's National Day. The economic crisis and its ramifications on the lives of ordinary Belgians figured prominently in the king's speech.
The king said that his thoughts were first and foremost with those of us who had lost their job as a result of the global economic slowdown.
King Albert also called for a more ethical financial world. He noted that the economic crisis had its roots in a financial crisis that was triggered by a lack of norms also in the banking world.

King Albert said that under pressure from the markets many people with responsibility had succumbed to pressure to make ever larger profits in the short-term. Often such profits were unrealistic and with little relation to the real world.

The king also tackled the issue of fat cats head on saying that the need for norms also applies to managers' pay.

King Albert called for a return to basic principles. He reminded us that the financial world must serve the economy that in turn serves humankind.
"Let's agree state reforms"
As is customary the Belgian monarch also dwelled on the protracted process of state reforms. "Let's agree state reforms" the king said optimistically.

........

de redactie

Pics 20.7.2009
 

The Belgium Royal Family attends the concert "Prelidium to the
National Day" by the National Belgium Orchestra at the Palais the
Beaux Arts in Brussels, July 20, 2009



** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 ** Pic 5 ** Pic 6 **

** Pic 7 ** Pic 8 ** Pic 9 ** Pic 10 ** Pic 11 ** Pic 12 **
.

Thanks for the pictures. I love the hair of princess claire.

I love the hair of princess Mathilde. Lovely photos.

Her husband seems to be getting fatter, though.:lol:

News Summary Royalblog.nl: Extra protection for Belgian Queen Fabiola

courtesy hja

Wow, Mathilde is more beautiful then usual (if it is possible), and Claire looks better then usual too!

First pictures of the Te Deum in Brussels

1 * 2 * 3 * 4

Gallery

Thank you for the concert photos. Princess Mathilde looks beautiful:smile:

I love Princess Claire's outfit, pink and red suit her extremely

Queen Fabiola don't wear gloves this time.

You are most welcome :flowers:

Here are some pics from the mass without watermarks:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 **

** Pic 5 ** Pic 6 ** Pic 7 ** Pic 8 ** Pic 9 **

Fantastic Queen Paola to-day , she has her days , I hope she will remain the same this afternoon.
Mathilde is wearing the beatiful dress she wore for Princess Isabelle of Danemark's christening . She was her godmother.
Queen Fabiola is wearing gloves again.

Movie Clip

And Another Clip

Clip in french

Laurent and Claire at Te Deum

:previous:
Fabiola looks incredible for her age, it's astounding.
Mathile and Claire looks as beautiful as ever, but who is the woman in black from the very first pictures?
:flowers:

What about the children of Lorenz and Astrid? They have the right age to attend this kind of events...

You mean the pics from the concert yesterday? The lady there
wearing black is Princess Astrid, daughter of Queen Paola and
King Albert.

Wow all female members of the Belgian RF look smashing!!!:flowers: