King Baudouin (1930-1993) and Queen Fabiola (1928-2014) of the Belgians

[maria-olivia]

King Baudouin was absolutely not a modern King and had an old fashion staff.
King Philippe has a top staff. the best !
King Albert II did well his unexpected Reign and was a link between the 2 Kings
Yes He should be proud about the perfect behavior of the King , the Queen and their Children.

[lucien]

Originally Posted by Skippy

I quite agree with this. I don't think Belgium will ever see such a national gathering again.

As for the latter part - I believe that in some ways King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are more Baudouin and Fabiola's son and daughter-in-law than Albert and Paola's.

And when I watch King Philippe's ascending the throne and that everything went smoothly - I have the feeling that King Baudouin is bursting with pride. That, in contrast with his own ascension, is what he prepared his nephew for for all those years.

From the Emperor of Japan to Queen Elizabeth II,Queen Beatrix,all Reigning Monarchs attended Baudouin s funeral,as Baudouin was a Reigning Monarch as well.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by lucien

From the Emperor of Japan to Queen Elizabeth II,Queen Beatrix,all Reigning Monarchs attended Baudouin s funeral,as Baudouin was a Reigning Monarch as well.

And to that also a lot of Presidents

[lucien]

Originally Posted by Stefan

And to that also a lot of Presidents

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And what was so impressive all walked from the Royal Palace to the St.Gudele & St.Michael Cathedral.a very impressive procession.

Except QEII and Mitterrand,merci Marengo...

[Moonmaiden23]

Originally Posted by Stefan

And to that also a lot of Presidents

Then President Clinton sent Gerald Ford, Bush Sr. and Jimmy Carter to Brussels to represent him at Baudouin's funeral.

[Marengo]

I don't remember seeing photos of them at the funeral service. That would have been quite a delegation!

President Mitterand and Queen Elizabeth II did not walk in the procession but came by car, probably due to security concerns. I assume the American presidents would not have walked in the procession for the same reason.

[Stefan]

Aslo don't remeber the american Presidents at the funeral f King Baudouin but alot of them attended the funeral of King Hussein of Jordan. Yes i found it also very impressive that all the royals and Heads of State walked behind the coffin from the Royal Palace to the Cathedral.

[An Ard Ri]

His reign was long by Belgian Royal standards 42 years I think only Leopold II reigned for slightly longer.

[maria-olivia]

The Protocole did one mistake placing President and Madame Mitterand at the 4 row behind Crown Prince Willem Alexander.
But at the lunch after the Funerals the President was placed next to Queen Fabiola