Abdication of Albert II and Oath of Philippe, 21 July 2013

[Huddo74]

Great Phots of the new King and Queen but I was just wondering how come Mathilde didn't wear a Tiara and Sash like Maxima did in her offical portraits when she became Queen?....

[Marchesina]

Originally Posted by Huddo74

Great Phots of the new King and Queen but I was just wondering how come Mathilde didn't wear a Tiara and Sash like Maxima did in her offical portraits when she became Queen?....

because the protocol didn't require it. it is a morning ceremony, so no evening dresses for ladies and for man just suits, without morning coat. it is a far less formal occasion than the one in the Netherlands

[Esmerelda]

Dutch NOS broadcast of the abdication and inauguration. The abdication ceremony begins 12 minutes in.
Gemist: NOS Inhuldiging Belgische koning

[NoorMeansLight]

Thank you both Esmerelda and Mafan, for replying and explaining all this!
I totally understand what you mean, but I do find it so not reasonable. This small country has got 3 Queens & 2 Kings now!
I'd also like to say that Mathilde looked every inch a Queen on Sunday! I like her modesty.

[IloveCP]

Here is the whole video of it:

Troonwisseling Koning Filip 2013 - YouTube

[Isabella Park]

Oh , l really like belgian royal family!
I 'm so glad to see the new King and Queen and their children

[Isabella Park]

Thanks for sharing the video! IloveCP.

[klaboom]

Jochim and Luisa Maria attended the evening celebration as well

[Isabella Park]

Originally Posted by klaboom

Jochim and Luisa Maria attended the evening celebration as well

This picture Prince Joachim and Princess Luisa Maria are very seems a like
their papa Prince Lorenz.
Very attractive Prince and Princess.

[Esmerelda]

Reflections and a bit of behind the scenes of the ceremonies.
21 juillet d'exception - 1ère partie - Vidéo - RTL TVI
21 juillet d'exception - 2ème partie - Vidéo - RTL TVI

[CyrilVladisla]

Originally Posted by Eveline

Now (I think) 17 persons will sign the document. King Albert just did that, so he is not king anymore.

Other than King Albert II, who are the people who signed the abdication document?

[CyrilVladisla]

It was interesting to learn from Majesty magazine:

As Belgium is the only European kingdom where the heir does not succeed automatically on the death or abdication of the sovereign, Philippe was still a prince when he walked into the Parliament building shortly before noon, but left it as a King after having sworn his oath to the Constitution.

[Marchesina]

Originally Posted by CyrilVladisla

It was interesting to learn from Majesty magazine:

As Belgium is the only European kingdom where the heir does not succeed automatically on the death or abdication of the sovereign, Philippe was still a prince when he walked into the Parliament building shortly before noon, but left it as a King after having sworn his oath to the Constitution.

but when he entered the Parliament he was announced as King in the three languages of the kingdom (French, Flemish and German - le roi/de koning/der König)

[Tatiana Maria]

Former PM Di Rupo had secret deal with King Albert

King Albert II announced on 3 July 2013 that he would abdicate on 21 July, on the Belgian national holiday. However, Albert had taken this decision in April, with Di Rupo among the very few people who were informed. Di Rupo next approached Albert to ask him to keep the news quiet, which also happened. [...]

"My [Di Rupo's] biggest fear was that the N-VA would destabilise the country. The king already had a date in mind for his abdication: 21 July. I didn't want several months between his announcement and the abdication itself. If you know the political state of affairs in Belgium, and the N-VA's attitude, you understand why."