Prince Laurent in Potsdam

I almost forgot to mention that our Prince Laurent was in Potsdam this weekend to represent the Belgian Royal Family at the wedding of the head of the House of Hohenzollern, Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia to Princess Sophie von Isenburg. From the pictures I saw it looked a nice wedding, not much of a royal gathering but if the Germans are going to insist on being a republic they have to expect it will not be like London or Monte Carlo. Of course, although I wish them all all of the best, for obvious reasons the Prussian royal family are not my favorites. Maybe this influences me but I cannot help wondering if there was a subtle message from the King to this Hohenzollern wedding? Do you think the King said something like, "Okay, to show that we are all friends and all, we will send a representative to the Prussian royal wedding ... but since this is the wedding of the great-grandson of the Kaiser who invaded our country and forced us into World War I, the occupation, the rape of Belgium and all of that, he will have to be satisfied we are sending -Prince Laurent!"

At least the Prince can say he did not fall down this time in front of everybody, tripping over the carpet like in Monte Carlo.

Remembering Queen Astrid

The Cross of Laeken remembers The Death of Queen Astrid, a great queen, and a queen who seemed somehow unreal or too good to be true, like she stepped from the pages of a storybook.

Joyeux Anniversaire, Maria Laura!

It is the birthday today of "Her Imperial and Royal Highness" Princess Maria Laura of Belgium, also Archduchess of Austria-Este who is today 23 years old. I really love Princess Maria Laura best and not just because she is so pretty, really, but because she is not so shallow like most of the really attractive, wealthy or highly born girls seem to be. She is not just flying around to lavish parties and fashion shows, she seems very sweet and shy and she must be very smart, she spends most of her time in study and when she speaks at length you can tell at once she is not just a pretty  face but has a real head full of brains on her shoulders. This is a princess with the 'whole package', beauty and brains and I think she's the best!

King & Queen Visit Pukkelpop Disaster Site

Story here. Something similar happened I heard in the United States recently. Someone should take greater precautions for the bad weather or see that the stages are built more sturdily.

Joyeux Anniversaire, Gabriel!

The young Prince Gabriel is now eight-years-old today. Best wishes to the Prince! I confess to having some trouble to not refer to him as our future King. I really don't want to seem sexist or anything like that but in spite of the law changes I just cannot "see" Belgium with a Queen with her brothers standing beside her all the time. Belgium has kings, has always had only kings. There is nothing wrong with a Queen but, I guess because it has never happened before in our history, it is hard to visualize for me. I cannot resist thinking that Prince Gabriel should be king someday even I know he cannot be. I'm sure he would be good at the job, he would be probably King Baudouin II, but the government will prevent that from happening. King or not, best wishes to Prince Gabriel for his birthday today! I wish I was home to have a chance of seeing them.

Belgians Aid Defense of Ethiopia

You can always learn something new and recently, talking to a friend about the second Italian-Ethiopian War, I did also. In that conflict, one of the predecessors of World War II, the only Belgian connection I knew of was Crown Princess Maria Jose, wife of Crown Prince Umberto of Italy, and neither of them had anything to do with the conflict. However, I have learned there was a fairly significant Belgian contribution to the war on the Ethiopian side. Here is how it happened: Clearly, since the first war between Italy and Ethiopia (which the Ethiopians won at their favorite battle of Adwa) there had been tensions between the two countries. Later, however, they signed a something like a friendship treaty. It seems doubtful though that either took the document seriously. The Italians extended their most favorable trading relationship to Ethiopia and assumed or expected that Ethiopia would be their customer and obtain all of their foreign goods from then. Ethiopia, however, was wary of the Italians and began buying weapons and recruiting military advisers from foreign countries other than Italy in case there was another war. The Italians were upset by this but that was expected and there were also internal problems in the country that made the famous Emperor Haile Selassie think it best to have the strongest army that he could.

The contribution of foreign experts to the instruction and modernization of the Ethiopian military was considered crucial and the largest probably came from Sweden. However, there were Swiss, British, Dutch, Finnish and an array of other foreigners represented in helping the Ethiopians prepare themselves to fight the Italians. The Belgian government sent a military mission to Ethiopia in 1934 which established itself at Harar to build up two completely modern infantry battalions, in addition to squadrons of horse cavalry, camel cavalry and armored cars. In 1935 one Belgian Colonel Reul commanded the "Unofficial Belgian Mission" to Ethiopia, all modern soldiers where he reported to Emperor Haile Selassie at his headquarters at Dese. The Belgian Congo also sent many military instructors and these were highly prized since the Force Publique was the most feared military force in Africa made up of African soldiers. They helped to organize and modernize the Ethiopian army and Belgian officers even led some of these troops into battle such as Captain Cambier who was killed in one of the early battles with the Italians.

Ethiopia did not win, mostly because they simply did not have enough of the latest technology that the Italians had. However, they put up a very fierce struggle for seven months and this was possible, not because they were, like many think, a huge mob of primitive warriors, but because, thanks in part to the help of the Belgian volunteers, they became a modern, organized army that would have been a formidable enemy for any force in Africa. Also, the Free Forces of the Belgian Congo also helped in the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian rule during World War II and played an instrumental role there.

Remembering Volunteers to Mexico

Address by King Albert to the Belgian Parliament, 4 August 1914

Gentlemen:

Never, since 1839, has a more solemn hour struck for Belgium: the integrity of our territory is threatened.

The very force of our righteous cause, the sympathy which Belgium, proud of her free institutions and her moral victories, has always received from other nations, and the necessity of our autonomous existence in respect of the equilibrium of Europe, make us still hopeful that the dreaded emergency will not be realized.

But if our hopes are betrayed, if we are forced to resist the invasion of our soil, and to defend our threatened homes, this duty, however hard it may be, will find us armed and resolved upon the greatest sacrifices.

Even now, in readiness for any eventuality, our valiant youth is up in arms, firmly resolved, with the traditional tenacity and composure of the Belgians, to defend our threatened country.

In the name of the nation, I give it a brotherly greeting. Everywhere in Flanders and Wallonia, in the towns and in the countryside, one single feeling binds all hearts together: the sense of patriotism.

One single vision fills all minds: that of our independence endangered. One single duty imposes itself upon our wills: the duty of stubborn resistance.

In these solemn circumstances two virtues are indispensable: a calm but unshaken courage, and the close union of all Belgians.

Both virtues have already asserted themselves, in a brilliant fashion, before the eyes of a nation full of enthusiasm.

The irreproachable mobilization of our army, the multitude of voluntary enlistments, the devotion of the civil population, the abnegation of our soldiers' families, have revealed in an unquestionable manner the reassuring courage which inspires the Belgian people.

It is the moment for action.

I have called you together, gentlemen, in order to enable the Legislative Chambers to associate themselves with the impulse of the people in one and the same sentiment of sacrifice.

You will understand, gentlemen, how to take all those immediate measures which the situation requires, in respect both of the war and of public order.

No one in this country will fail in his duty.

If the foreigner, in defiance of that neutrality whose demands we have always scrupulously observed, violates our territory, he will find all the Belgians gathered about their sovereign, who will never betray his constitutional oath, and their Government, invested with the absolute confidence of the entire nation.

I have faith in our destinies; a country which is defending itself conquers the respect of all; such a country does not perish!

Belgium Responds to German Ultimatum

Delivered by the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, M. Davignon, to the German Minister in Brussels, Herr von Below Saleske in response to German ultimatum demanding free passage of German troops through Belgium in order to attack France, claiming that France was preparing to do the same.

3 August 1914

This note has made a deep and painful impression upon the Belgian Government. The intentions attributed to France by Germany are in contradiction to the formal declarations made to us on August 1, in the name of the French Government.

Moreover, if, contrary to our expectation, Belgian neutrality should be violated by France, Belgium intends to fulfil her international obligations and the Belgian army would offer the most vigorous resistance to the invader.

The treaties of 1839, confirmed by the treaties of 1870 vouch for the independence and neutrality of Belgium under the guarantee of the Powers, and notably of the Government of His Majesty the King of Prussia.

Belgium has always been faithful to her international obligations, she has carried out her duties in a spirit of loyal impartiality, and she has left nothing undone to maintain and enforce respect for her neutrality.

The attack upon her independence with which the German Government threaten her constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. No strategic interest justifies such a violation of law.

The Belgian Government, if they were to accept the proposals submitted to them, would sacrifice the honour of the nation and betray their duty towards Europe.

Conscious of the part which Belgium has played for more than eighty years in the civilisation of the world, they refuse to believe that the independence of Belgium can only be preserved at the price of the violation of her neutrality.

If this hope is disappointed the Belgian Government are firmly resolved to repel, by all the means in their power, every attack upon their rights.

Remembering King Baudouin

Yesterday at Notre-Dame de Laeken Queen Fabiola and about three hundred loyal supporters visited the royal crypt to remember the passing of the late King Baudouin. A delegation of veterans also attended, members of Pro-Belgica and also Princess Lea, widow of Prince Alexandre, who also left followers at the tomb of King Leopold III so that, in a touching way, the tombs of the father and son kings, Leopold III and Baudouin, were both brightly covered with petals. Boths kings I am sure would be touched. King Baudouin was a great and good man, I am sure he would be distressed to see how his people are not now getting along with each other, to the great distress of his brother, and although people like me can look back on the time of King Baudouin with nostalgia and think, if he were alive things would not be like this, also I have to be realistic and think that given the uncompromising attitude of the parties I cannot see what King Baudouin could do to effect a reconciliation that our King today has not already tried. It is still good to see King Baudouin remembered and I hope he is resting happily in whatever plain of existence he is in today.

Princess Lilian

The consort of SM King Leopold III, who has been treated so unfairly by public perception. A video via The Cross of Laeken:

Belgium-Norway Connections

As everyone is still in shock over the tragedy in Norway but also there are new connections having been found between the terrorist suspect and Belgium. In his really odd "manifesto" the shooter makes numerous mentions of Belgium and even related a list of targets for terrorist attacks such as oil refineries and nuclear plants in Antwerp and Liege. He also makes Belgium a special target for his hoped-for war because 9-12% of the population in Belgium is now Muslim. The Knights Templar organization to which he says he belongs also, supposedly, has one member and who is the co-founder of the group in Belgium. He also pointed to Vlaams Belang leader Filip Dewinter as someone good to argue his cause for what he was "fighting" for (I would only call it real fighting when the other side is able to fight back against you). It is also known that the Norwegian terrorist sent messages to radical right-wing leaders across Europe including to Tanguy Veys, an MP for the Vlaams Belang. Party leader Bruno Valkeniers has said that VB has no connection or sympathy with the terrorist but it is really revealing that he evidently sympathized with them. It is also not a surprise to me really that exceprts from the terrorist's manifesto were published in the Brussels Journal which has long been known for its right-wing opposition to the monarchie and the very idea of a united and independent Belgium. The leader of Brussels Journal, Paul Belien, is also a close friend of Geert Wilders the controversial Dutch politician who was also praised in the manifesto. Paul Belien has made his living for a long time by attacking the Kings of Belgium, the country of Belgium and calling for Flemish independence and a campaign for racial/cultural "purity".

The King, Elections and Norway

The King has sent all the negotiators home for a break from the government formation efforts, saying that everyone, their staff workers included, needed a vacation from the constant negotiations. The King also is in need of this as the palace and even Queen Paola have said that his health is becoming weakened by the stress and anxiety of this issue, he must take medication to sleep and is becoming more exhausted. All the time that goes by makes it seem more likely new elections will be called but the King has resisted this for fear that another attempt at voting could only increase the strength of the N-VA. We also note with great sadness the tragedy that has happened in Norway, our close friends and allies, by a ultra-right extremist. It is also noteworthy that in the manifesto published by the mass-murderer is praise for the extremist parties across Europe, including the N-VA. This should, I think, really give the Flemish people some concern for the party a majority have voted for. Obviously, any party which such a hate-filled murderer could admire does not share the common values of the Flemish people who are, I am sure, as sickened by this event as anyone. I know, it is half my family and they are proud to be Flemish but not at all hateful of any other people (they also really think of themselves as Belgians and never would vote N-VA anyway but). If this man considers Bart De Wever a great political leader that should be sufficient cause really for anyone to want to keep him out of any position of power in Europe.

110721 National Day Belgium II

King Albert II Applauded for Speech

Everyone knows the King as a jovial man who liked to laugh but he is serious in his concern for Belgium and people were surprised this National Day by how forceful and frustrated the King was in his speech. You can see it in French and Dutch. I am in complete agreement. The King said, quoting the English constitutional monarchy theoretician, that the King can advise, be advised and warn and since he had given all the advice he can and been given advice from the politicians now he has decided to use his power to warn. He warned that the politicians need to grow up and get along or else all of the people will soon suffer, also that Belgian interests around the world will suffer -the King making mention of the crisis of women abuse in the Congo that he wants the UN and EU to address and also he warned that Belgium was a model for European integration and that if Belgium cannot get along with Brussels being the capital city of Europe it could be a terrible blow for the whole European Union. And that is all perfectly true. After the speech, at a concert and at a Church thanksgiving, the King has been warmly applauded and most seem very supportive of him and in total agreement with his statement. I have already heard numerous say it is his best speech ever, certainly his most impassioned plea for national unity. There has also been more talk, in Gazet van Antwerpen, that the frustrated King is tired of these constant squabbles and wishes to abdicate to give the throne to Prince Philippe but only after the current crisis is resolved. Really, this is speculation, no one knows that and as much as I like Prince Philippe I would also not like to see the King abdicate, the only other abdication in the Belgian monarchy having a bad impression. Really this shows though the level of concern the King has and how heavy he has felt in his heart over his hard duties in trying to make a compromise so the government can be formed to handle the business important of the country. He is doing his best, with the best motives and it is good to see him have some appreciation this National Day. Leve de Koning! Vive le Roi!

First National Day

Leopold Ier becomes first King of the Belgians!

Father to Son

On July 16, 1951 SM King Leopold III abdicated his throne in the face of leftist opposition lingering from World War II. The next day, yesterday in history, his son Baudouin became King of the Belgians. This time was controversial but I think it is offensive that it is so. The justification claimed by the enemies of the monarchie, whose face was King Leopold III, was his remaining with his army and staying in Belgium during the German occupation. Really, this was just a distraction. The King only did his duty and what happened in World War II was not the reason for the opposition to King Leopold. These people really hated the kingdom altogether. They were not really happy that Baudouin becoming king, they would rather have had no king at all and be a Marxist republic. It is also not much talked about that there was a vote on the future of King Leopold and the majority voted for him to remain king because he had done nothing wrong, he was the rightful monarch and that was only justice. Also interesting is that he had more support in Flanders than in Wallonie, but the radicals made such trouble that the King, and King Leopold was a compassionate man, did not want to risk any civil strife, perhaps even violence, by the radical minority in order to keep his throne and so he abdicated to give the throne for his son. I have shown before the video also of the leftist protest at the swearing-in of King Baudouin so it is obvious they were not having a reasonable position. They hated King Leopold no matter what he did and they hated King Baudouin before he even finished taking the oath to be king so he had not the chance to do anything to displease anyone. It was only unreasonable prejudice against the Belgian dynasty because of who they were.

I would be happy if this was only a sad page of history but we can see today it still continues as King Albert II  pleads with the politicians to put the good of the nation first and come to an agreement with each other but they do not listen, only their political power and personal prejudices mean anything to them.

New Photos of Royal Family

Flemish Queen of England

The Mad Monarchist profiles Queen Mathildis van Vlaanderen, wife of William the Conqueror who took over England for the Normans in 1066.

Belgians in Monte Carlo

 The whole Royal Family was in Monaco for the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Here are some photos of them

Many of the royal men wore white uniforms but not the Belgians (do we still have whites?) and this picture Prince Philippe looks to be giving a 'thumbs up' to Prince Albert

Queen Paola and King Albert II -I noticed King Albert was the only foreign royalty to wear his sash and medal of the Knight Grand Cross of St Charles for Monaco

 But the poor King and Queen got seated next to the little French president who did not even have his wife along with him. No luck.

And speaking no luck, Prince Laurent of course fell down. He would, wouldn't he? If anyone is going to have to fall down you know it is going to be Prince Laurent. I really feel more and more sympathy for him.