Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde - Current Events part 12

[Emily]

Thank you for that explanation, Catherine. That will help put the photos in some context. It sounds like this should be very colorful -- I'm looking forward to the photos.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

It's a very beautiful event each year, indeed very colorful, but today was a very grey, cold and rainy day , really a pity!

I saw some images on the news, there were "only" 35,000 spectators, a lot less than other years, because of the weather.

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

photos from VRT

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

Video from VTM

http://www.vtm.be/nieuws/index_bekijkonline.htm

Donderdag 25/05 -> 19u -> 15:30

[Emily]

This is where computer technology is so fascinating -- to think we can watch a parade in Belgium on their nightly news cast from across the ocean! That was very interesting and, as always, Mathilde was elegant and lovely!

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde attend the Holy Blood Procession, Thursday 25 May 2006 in Bruges.

Belga

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

from belga.be

[Cathérine Bergeyck]

last ones from belga

[Hannelore]

Thanks Catherine! I was actually thinking of taking husband & kids to Brugge for this procession, but things got in the way, a pity I might have had the opportunity to see Mathilde, but the weather wasn't really great either - though it didn't rain.

Apart from the beautiful historic figures we also get a good view of Mathilde's gorgeous legs :):)

[selminha]

Thank you for the photos! Mathilde is looking as elegent and radiant as always.

[Emily]

What interesting photos! Not only did I love seeing Mathilde and Philippe but the parade and town square photos were great. Thank you so much, Catherine!

[grevinnan]

Poor Mathilde, she is getting crushed between the two guys - although one is her husband.

[alexandresylvie]

Mathilde carries(wears) the same holding(dress) as in the daytime of the National holiday in 2005, she waited then for Prince Emmanuel. I find it etrange. she(it) would again be encircled

[Emily]

Yes, you are right, it is the same, but it appears to be slightly altered from that day. The collar ornamentation is missing and the coat appears to be more tailored for a non-pregnancy look. It is a very beautiful color on her, though, so I am glad she is reusing it.

[rominet09]

I love that outfit and especially the pink shoes !!!!

[Hannelore]

Some more pics (belga) of Mathilde & Filip, and the procession. In this procession century old treasures are carried through the city, in the last pic you can see a bishop carrying the relyc believed to contain a cloth with a few drops of Jesus' blood on it. Quite improbable of course, but what makes it spectacular is that this little treasure has been in Bruges for more than 900 years and is carried through the streets each year, a great tradition.

[Hannelore]

a few more pics from belga

[Emily]

Thank you for even more pictures, Hannelore. As someone who enjoys medieval history, I find the "costumes"- if that is what you call them - particularly interesting. May I ask if you know what the folks in the black/red tunics with the red crosses on them, represent?

[Hannelore]

I first thought it were the knights of the order of Malta, also known as the knights of the holy grave, but they wear a black tunic with an 8-pointed white cross on it, so it can't be. It could be any kind of knighthood or guild - no idea.

If you're intrested here's some info in English, with more photos from previous years, on the holy blood procession:

http://www.holyblood.com/EN/0.asp

[Adry]

Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde visit the SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe) in Casteau, near Mons, Monday 29 May 2006.
Belga Picture