Category Archives: Royal Ceremonies, Events

Opening of the Parliamentary Session – Sweden – 2nd Tuesday of September

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Parliament House in Stockholm, Sweden; By Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56836627

The Opening of the Parliamentary Session is held on the second Tuesday of September to mark the new parliamentary year. The current ceremony, first held in 1975, replaced an older ceremony known as the Solemn Opening of the Riksdag. During the ceremony, the monarch declares the new session open and the Prime Minister of Sweden makes a speech outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.

Storkyrkan (to the right is the Royal Palace of Stockholm); By Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62714436

In the morning, the members of the Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament, meet in Parliament House for a roll call. Then they walk the short distance to the Storkyrkan, in English, the Great Church, also known as Stockholm Cathedral and Saint Nicholas Church, for a special service conducted by the Archbishop of Uppsala or the Bishop of Stockholm.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and  Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlen lead the Swedish royal family into the Storkyrkan; Credit – Swedish Royal Court, Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The tradition of holding a church service before the Opening of the Parliamentary Session dates back hundreds of years. Members of the Swedish royal family attend and family of the Riksdag members also attend the service.

After the church service, Riksdag members walk from Storkyrkan to the Parliament building Credit – Swedish Royal Court, Photo – Sara Friberg

After the church service, the Riksdag members walk back to Parliament House, entering through its main entrance and walking up the grand staircase.

Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlen, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Sofia, and Prince Carl Philp arrive at the opening of the Riksdag in 2022

The Swedish royal family travels from the Royal Palace of Stockholm to Parliament House in coaches escorted by the Life Guards on horses. The royal family wears black and white, harkening back to when they wore black and white court dress. A trumpet fanfare announces the royal family’s arrival and the Speaker of the Riksdag is waiting to greet them.

When the monarch enters the Riksdag chamber, the Kungssången (The King’s Song), the Swedish royal anthem, is sung. It is also sung on the monarch’s birthday and at the Nobel Prize ceremonies but is not considered the Swedish national anthem. While The King’s Song is sung, the royal family and the prime minister take their seats.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden addressing the Riksdag

The Speaker of the Riksdag invites the monarch to the rostrum where he/she delivers a short speech that includes topics the monarch thinks are important for the upcoming parliamentary year and words of encouragement to the Riksdag members. The monarch then declares the new session of the Riksdag open and is seated with the rest of the royal family. The Prime Minister then presents the Statement of Government Policy, outlining the policies the government intends to pursue during the coming year. During the ceremony, there are various musical performances. The Opening of the Parliamentary Session concludes with the singing of the Swedish national anthem “Du gamla, du fria” (“Thou old, Thou free”).

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • HM The King opens the Parliamentary Session. (2022). Kungahuset.se. https://www.kungahuset.se/english/archive/news/2022-09-27-hm-the-king-opens-the-parliamentary-session
  • The opening of the Riksdag Session. (2024). Riksdagen.se. https://www.riksdagen.se/en/news/the-opening-of-the-riksdag-session/
  • Wikipedia Contributors. (2024). Opening of the Riksdag. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opening_of_the_Riksdag#:~:text=It%20is%20held%20every%20year

Monaco – Accession to the Throne Ceremonies

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Prince Albert II of Monaco prays at the November 19, 2005 Mass; Photo: Zimbio

When the Sovereign Prince or Princess of Monaco dies, royal powers are automatically conferred upon his/her heir. At the end of the official mourning period, the accession of the new Sovereign Prince or Princess is celebrated with three ceremonies. Prince Rainier III (reigned 1949 – 2005) had ceremonies similar to the ones of his son and successor Prince Albert II. This article is based on  Prince Albert II’s ceremonies and events.

Prince Albert II followed by his sisters and brother-in-law arrives at the Cathedral of Monaco on July 12, 2005

On July 12, 2005, at the end of the official mourning period following the death of his father Prince Rainier III on April 6, 2005, Prince Albert II was officially proclaimed Sovereign Prince of Monaco at a morning Mass presided over by Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco. at the Cathedral of Monaco (also called St. Nicholas’ Cathedral) in Monaco-Ville, Monaco.

Prince Albert II with the two keys of the city as a symbol of his investiture

In the afternoon, Prince Albert II hosted a garden party at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco for 7,000 citizens of Monaco. Prince Albert II was presented with two keys of the city as a symbol of his investiture. He then gave a speech setting out the priorities of his reign, making Monaco “a model society, a society model”. The evening ended with fireworks over the waterfront.

Prince Albert II sits on the throne during his investment ceremony on November 17, 2005, in the Throne Room at the Prince’s Palace

On November 18, 2005, Prince Albert was formally invested as the Sovereign Prince of Monaco during a ceremony in the Throne Room at the Prince’s Palace in Monte Carlo, Monaco. As the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert is the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Charles, Monaco’s highest honor. He was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles in 1979. At the November 18 ceremony, Prince Albert received the Grand Master’s Grand Collar of The Order of Saint Charles by Chancellor of the Order, Jean-Joseph Pastor.

Prince Albert II receives the Grand Collar of The Order of Saint Charles

In the evening of November 18, 2005, Prince Albert hosted a dinner with some of the foreign royalty including Prince Joachim of Denmark, Prince Feisal of Jordan, Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, and The Earl and Countess of Wessex (now The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh).

Prince Ernst-August of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, and Princess Antoinette of Monaco at the November 19 Pontifical Mass

On November 19, 2005, coinciding with Monaco’s National Day, a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of Monaco, witnessed by 800 guests including royalty from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The day ended with an evening gala and a performance of Gioachino Rossini’s opera Il Viaggio a Reims (Voyage to Reims) at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

Andrea Casiraghi, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Prince Ernst August of Hanover and Charlotte Casiraghi surround Prince Albert II in the royal box at at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Albert II. (2020, August 5). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_II
  • Albert’s Accession. (2005, July 12). CBSnews.com; CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/alberts-accession/19/
  • BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Monaco’s Albert II assumes throne. (2024). Bbc.co.uk. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4674109.stm
  • Contributeurs aux projets Wikimedia. (2007, January 6). Ordre Honorifique Monégasque. Wikipedia.org; Fondation Wikimedia, Inc. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordre_de_Saint-Charles
  • Flantzer, Susan. (2014). Prince Albert II of Monaco. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/prince-albert-ii-of-monaco/
  • NBC Universal. (2005, November 19). Monaco’s Albert II ascends to the throne. NBC News; NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10108054
  • news24. (2024). Enthronment Mass for Prince. News24; News24. https://www.news24.com/news24/enthronment-mass-for-prince-20051119
  • Prince Albert’s Monaco enthronement complete – ABC News. (2005, November 19). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-11-20/prince-alberts-monaco-enthronement-complete/744076
  • Wikipedia Contributors. (2024, July 20). Order of Saint Charles. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Saint_Charles

Luxembourg National Day – June 23 – Luxembourg

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Grand Ducal Family on National Day 2024; Credit – ©House of the Grand Duke / Kary Barthelmey (L to R: Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and her husband Nicolas Bagory, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Grand Duke Henri, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume)

Luxembourg National Day is celebrated every year on June 23. The official birthday of the reigning Grand Duke or Grand Duchess is also celebrated on that day.

Background

Before 1961, the date of Luxembourg National Day changed with each reign and was celebrated on the birthday of the reigning Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. When Grand Duchess Charlotte came to the throne in 1919, Luxembourg National Day was celebrated on her birthday, January 23, in the middle of winter. Her son and eventual heir Grand Duke Jean was also born in January. On December 23, 1961, by Grand Ducal decree, Grand Duchess Charlotte declared Luxembourg National Day would be permanently celebrated on June 23 when the weather would be more favorable. Celebrations begin on June 22 and continue through June 23.

What happens on Luxembourg National Day?

June 22

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie visit Esch-Uelzecht (2024); Credit – © SIP / Emmanuel Claude

The reigning Grand Duke or reigning Grand Duchess and his/her spouse make an official visit to a town in Luxembourg. The Hereditary Grand Duke or Duchess and his/her spouse make an official visit to Esch-Uelzecht, Luxembourg’s second-largest city.

At the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City, the capital and largest city in Luxembourg, there is a ceremonial changing of the guard at 4:00 PM.

Torchlight Procession (2024); Credit – © House of the Grand Duke / Claude Pisctelli

In the evening, national and local associations, brass bands, and folk groups parade through the streets of Luxembourg City in a torchlight procession.

Fireworks (2024); Credit – © House of the Grand Duke / Claude Piscitelli

At 11:00 PM, a large firework display set off from the Adolphe Bridge in Luxembourg City.

June 23

Civil Ceremony at the Philharmonie Luxembourg (2024); Credit – © House of the Grand Duke / Kary Barthelmey

The celebrations begin with a civil ceremony at the Philharmonie Luxembourg, known officially as the Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte Concert Hall, in Luxembourg City. The reigning Grand Duke or the reigning Grand Duchess, the President of the Parliament, and the Prime Minister give speeches to an audience of government officials, foreign diplomats accredited to Luxembourg, and other dignitaries. The reigning Grand Duke or reigning Grand Duchess awards the Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolphe of Nassau to individuals who have distinguished themselves by their loyalty and meritorious services to the Grand Duke, the Grand-Ducal House Maison, and the country.

After the ceremony at the Philharmonie Luxembourg, a 21-gun salute is fired in honor of the reigning Grand Duke or the reigning Grand Duchess.

Grand Duke Henri and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and the Chief of Staff review the troops (2024); Credit – © House of the Grand Duke / Kary Barthelmey

At noon there is a military parade on Liberty Avenue. The Grand Duke, the Hereditary Grand Duke, and the Chief of Staff review the troops, who salute them in return with a resounding triple “Vive! Vive! Vive!” (Long Live! Long Live! Long Live!). Besides the Luxembourg Armed Forces, the Grand Ducal Police, the Customs and Excise Administration, the Prison Administration, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps, the Luxembourg Red Cross, and the Grand Duke Adolphe Union march participate in the parade.

The Grand Ducal Family attending the Te Deum (2024); Credit – Credit – © House of the Grand Duke / Kary Barthelmey

In the afternoon, the Te Deum, a religious service of blessing and thanks, is held at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Autoren der Wikimedia-Projekte. (2005, September 6). Lëtzebuerger Nationalfeierdag. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://lb.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%ABtzebuerger_Nationalfeierdag
  • Luxemburgischer Nationalfeiertag. (2024). Wikipedia. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxemburgischer_Nationalfeiertag
  • News | Cour grand-ducale. (n.d.). Monarchie.lu. Retrieved August 1, 2024, from https://monarchie.lu/en/news/categories/fete-nationale-37
  • The National Day: Celebrations of the Grand Duke’s birthday | Cour grand-ducale. (n.d.). Www.monarchie.lu. https://monarchie.lu/en/head-state/national-day
  • Wikipedia Contributors. (2020). Grand Duke’s Official Birthday. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duke%27s_Official_Birthday

New Year’s Events – Denmark

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

New Year’s Speech – December 31 – Denmark

Queen Margrethe II gave the traditional New Year’s Speech on December 31, 2023. During the speech, she announced she would be abdicating on January 14, 2024 after 52 years on the throne.

Background

Every year at 6:00 PM, on December 31, the Danish monarch delivers the New Year’s Speech from Amalienborg, a complex of four palaces in Copenhagen, Denmark. Queen Margrethe II (reigned 1972 – 2024), who abdicated in 2024, gave the speech from Christian IX’s Palace, her home since 1967. Her son and successor King Frederik X will probably give the speech from Frederik VIII’s Palace, his home at Amalienborg since he married Queen Mary (born Mary Donaldson in Australia) in 2004. The speech is broadcast live on television and radio.

The origins of the New Year’s speech go back to King Christian IX (reigned 1863 – 1906) who gave a “toast to the fatherland” at the New Year’s Banquet on January 1 beginning in the 1880s. During the reign of King Frederik VIII (reigned 1906 – 1912), the nationwide daily newspapers began to publish the New Year’s Speech. In 1909, King Frederik VIII closed his speech with Gud Bevare Danmark! (God preserve Denmark!) Every Danish monarch since has closed their New Year’s Speech in the same manner.

King Christian X riding through Copenhagen on his 70th birthday, September 26, 1940, during the German occupation of Denmark: Credit – Wikipedia

In 1940, during World War II, Germany occupied Denmark. Unlike King Haakon VII of Norway and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, both of whom went into exile during the German occupation of their countries, King Christian X (reigned 1912 – 1947) remained in Denmark. He is remembered for his daily horse ride without a guard through the streets of Copenhagen during the German occupation of Denmark, a symbol of Danish sovereignty. His New Year’s Speeches during World War II rallied the Danish people and offered hope and encouragement to a country in the grip of a German occupation.

In 1941, King Christian X gave the first New Year’s speech to be broadcast live over the radio, and seventeen years later, his son King Frederik IX gave the first televised New Year’s Speech in 1958. King Frederik IX was skeptical about television and avoided eye contact with the camera.

However, when King Frederik IX’s daughter Queen Margrethe II came to the throne in 1972, she was well aware of television’s impact. Queen Margrethe II was not averse to reprimanding the Danish people, which she did in 1984, criticizing their behavior toward immigrants: “Then we come along with our Danish humor and little stupid, clever remarks. Then we respond to them with cold-heartedness, and then it’s not far to harassment and rougher methods – that’s not nice of us.” On December 31, 2023, in what would be her last New Year’s Speech, Queen Margrethe II unexpectedly announced that she would abdicate in favor of her son Crown Prince Frederik, just two weeks later, on January 14, 2024, the anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1972, upon the death of her father King Frederik IX.

The Text of the New Year’s Speech

In the early years, the Prime Minister’s office wrote the New Year’s speech which the Danish monarch read without making any changes. This changed during the reign of Queen Margrethe II who wanted to write the speech herself. The Prime Minister’s Office sent her a list of suggested topics in mid-October, and then she wrote the speech with the advisement of close colleagues. Shortly before New Year’s Eve, the Prime Minister’s office received the final draft for review.

King Frederik X will probably follow the guidelines of his mother Queen Margrethe II. Her New Year’s Speech began with a general discussion of the past year and then went on to a personal review, and the most important events of the past year. Upcoming events or anniversaries, especially of the royal family, were mentioned. The Danish monarch cannot interfere in politics and stays out of party political issues. However, Queen Margrethe II’s moral values influenced by her Christian faith were often evident. In her first New Year’s Speech in 1972, Queen Margrethe II expressed her hope for peace in the Vietnam War and addressed Denmark’s entry into the European Economic Community. Special greetings and thanks are given to selected groups at the end of the speech, and thanks are also given to Danes serving abroad or at sea or working in the police and military. The speech ends with the now traditional “Gud Bevare Danmark!” (God preserve Denmark!)

New Year’s Banquet and Levees – Early January – Denmark

Background

Copenhagen Castle circa 1698; Credit – Wikipedia

At least from the time of King Frederik III (reigned 1648 – 1670), the Danish public was allowed to come to Copenhagen Castle on New Year’s Eve, stand in rows along the wall, and watch the Danish royal family and the court eat. On New Year’s Day, anyone could go to the royal apartments to congratulate the King and Queen and deliver gifts and New Year’s poems. This custom ended during the reign of King Christian VI (reigned 1730 – 1746) when Copenhagen Castle was demolished and Christiansborg Palace was built on its site. The Danish royal family moved to Christiansborg Palace where the public did not have access.

Christiansborg Palace, now the home of the Danish Parliament; Credit – Af Julian Herzog (Website) – Eget arbejde, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36694087

Instead, at midnight, trumpets sounded the New Year from in the Christiansborg Palace courtyard. The Danish royal family and the court wished each other a Happy New Year and exchanged New Year’s gifts. New Year’s music was played indoors at midnight, performed by the Royal Life Guards Music Band, which also performs at today’s New Year’s banquets and levees. In-person New Year’s Day greetings were limited to certain people and groups.

After King Christian V established the Order of Dannebrog in 1671 and the Order of the Elephant in 1693, the knights of the orders and the Danish royal family had a banquet on New Year’s Eve. The first knights of the orders were the king’s court knights and closest advisers who were the government officials of the time. When the Folketing, the People’s Assembly or the Danish Parliament, was established in 1849, the government ministers and leaders of Folketing took their places at the New Year’s banquet tables.

When the New Year’s banquet was no longer exclusively for knights, invitations were extended to the royal ladies, those who managed the royal court, the Royal Life Guards who protected the king, the military who protected the country, and the police who protected the citizens. Leaders of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark, the Danish Supreme Court, and the University of Copenhagen also received invitations. Today, leaders of these institutions are also on the guest list for the modern New Year’s Banquet.

Today’s Banquet and Levees

Today, the banquet and levees are held over three days in early January. The banquet is a sit-down dinner and the levees are receptions.

Queen Margrethe II rides in the Golden Carriage from Christian VII’s Palace, Amalienborg to a New Year’s levee at Christiansborg Palace on January 4, 2019.

For levees at Christiansborg Palace, now the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish monarch is driven from Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace, and then back from Christiansborg Palace to Amalienborg in a coach from the Royal Stables, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment Mounted Squadron.

Day 1 – January 1

On January 1, a New Year’s Levee and Banquet is held in the Hall of Knights at Christian VII’s Palace, Amalienborg, for the government, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, other official Danish representatives, and officials of the Royal Court.

Insignia of the Order of the Elephant on the gold chain; Credit – By Sodacan – Own work; Based on: File: Royal Coat of Arms of Denmark. CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9711449

The Order of the Elephant is a Danish order of chivalry and Denmark’s highest-ranked honor. In earlier times, the order was granted primarily to foreign royalty and Danish noblemen.  Now it is granted primarily to members of the Danish royal family and foreign heads of state. On rare occasions, it has been granted to a commoner.

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik (now King and Queen of Denmark) arrive at the New Year’s Levee and Banquet in Christian VII’s Palace on January 1, 2012, wearing the Order of the Elephant on the gold chain

On January 1, at the banquet and levee, the Knights of the Order of the Elephant wear the insignia of the order on a gold chain (above illustration and photo) instead of the usual blue sash. In addition to January 1, the Order of the Elephant is also worn on a gold chain on May 26, the birthday of Frederik X, the current King of Denmark, and on June 28, the birthday of King Valdemar II of Denmark, reigned 1202 – 1241.

Ambassadors to Denmark lined up to be welcomed by Queen Margrethe II at the Traditional New Year’s Levee for the diplomatic corps at Christiansborg Palace on January 3, 2018

Day 2 (date fluctuates)

A New Year’s Levee is held at Christian VII’s Palace, Amalienborg, for Justices of the Supreme Court of Denmark and the Officer Corps of The Royal Life Guard and The Guard Hussar Regiment. Later in the day, a New Year’s Levee is held at Christiansborg Palace for the diplomatic corps.

Queen Margrethe II welcomes Eusebe Agbangla, Niger’s ambassador to Denmark during the New Year’s Levee for the diplomatic corps on January 3, 2019

Day 3 (date fluctuates)

A New Year’s Levee is held at Christiansborg Palace for officers from the Ministry of Defense and the Danish Emergency Management Agency, representatives of major national organizations, and, representatives of the royal patronages.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Autoren der Wikimedia-Projekte. (2012). Rede der dänischen Königin zum Jahreswechsel. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neujahrsansprache_der_d%C3%A4nischen_K%C3%B6nigin
  • HISTORY OF THE NEW YEAR’S SPEECH. (n.d.). Www.kongehuset.dk. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/menu/news/history-of-the-new-years-speech
  • New Year’s Banquet and Levees 2024. (n.d.). Www.kongehuset.dk. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/new-years-banquet-and-levees-2024
  • Nytårstafler og -kure. (n.d.). Www.kongehuset.dk. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://www.kongehuset.dk/monarkiet-i-danmark/begivenheder-i-kongehuset/nytarstafler-og-kure#riddernes-ordensdag
  • Order of the Elephant. (2024). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Elephant

Liechtenstein National Day – August 15 – Liechtenstein

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Liechtenstein National Day – People on the lawn in front of Vaduz Castle; Credit – https://www.staatsfeiertag.li/en

Background

On August 5, 1940, the Liechtenstein government officially declared August 15 as Liechtenstein National Day and the first celebration was ten days later. August 15 was already a bank holiday and the Roman Catholic feast day of the Assumption of Mary, celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven following her death. In addition, August 16 was the birthday of Franz Josef II, the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein in 1940. After Prince Franz Josef II died in 1989 it was decided to keep the national holiday on August 15. In 1990 a law was passed establishing August 15 as the official national holiday of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

What happens on Liechtenstein National Day?

Members of the Princely Family at National Day in 2016 – Second from the left: Hereditary Princess Sophie, Hereditary Prince Alois, the late Princess Marie, wife of Hans-Adam II, and Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein

Many of the approximately 40,000 citizens of Liechtenstein attend the events held in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. At 11:30 AM a ceremony is held on the lawn in front of Vaduz Castle, during which Hereditary Prince Alois and the President of the Parliament make speeches.

A street in Vaduz on National Day in 2016. Note Vaduz Castle at the top of the hill; Credit – Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

The speeches are followed by a reception in the rose garden at Vaduz Castle hosted by the Princely Family. It is open to the public free of charge but tickets must be obtained online. At 2:00 PM, a folk festival begins in the center of Vaduz. The streets are closed to traffic and booths, street vendors, and amusement rides are set up along the streets. At 9:15 PM, the bonfire is lit and there is a torchlight procession on the Fürstensteig, a mountain trail. At 10:00 PM, the celebrations end with spectacular fireworks over Vaduz Castle.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Liechtenstein National Holiday. (n.d.). Tourismus.li. https://tourismus.li/en/activities/culture-and-art/customs-traditions/liechtenstein-national-holiday/
  • Celebrating Liechtenstein’s National Day on August 15! | Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Washington, D.C. (n.d.). Www.liechtensteinusa.org. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.liechtensteinusa.org/article/celebrating-liechtensteins-national-day-on-august-15
  • Staatsfeiertag. (n.d.). Www.staatsfeiertag.li. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.staatsfeiertag.li/en

Accession To The Throne – Denmark

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

King Frederik X is proclaimed King of Denmark from the balcony of Christiansborg Castle; Credit – Af Kefr4000 – Eget arbejde, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143973885

The last Danish accession took place when Queen Margrethe II abdicated the throne on January 14, 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession and death of her father King Frederik IX, in favor of the elder of her two sons King Frederik X. Denmark formerly had a coronation but in 1660, the coronation was replaced with a ceremony of anointing. The new monarch would arrive at the coronation site already wearing the crown and was then anointed. The ceremony of anointing was abolished with the introduction of the Danish Constitution in 1849, and a simple proclamation has been used since then. Denmark has regalia but the regalia plays no role in the ceremonies for a new monarch.

Queen Margrethe II and her husband Prince Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark wave from the balcony at Christiansborg Palace on January 15, 1972, after the proclamation of her succession to the Danish throne. The couple’s two young sons Frederik and Joachim can be seen.

In the event of the death of the Danish sovereign, the accession is automatic and the new sovereign is simply proclaimed by the Prime Minister from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, as happened when Queen Margrethe II acceded to the Danish throne in 1972 when her father King Frederik IX died. However, because Queen Margrethe II was abdicating, a meeting of the Council of State was necessary.

Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, and Prince Christian meeting with the Council of State on January 14, 2024 – Photo: Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset © File type: jpg

The accession of King Frederik X took place during a meeting of the Council of State in the State Council Hall at Christiansborg Palace, at the moment Queen Margrethe II signed the declaration of her abdication. Queen Margrethe gave up her seat and offered it to the new King. At the same time, the new heir to the throne, Crown Prince Christian, took the seat to the right of his father, the King. After this, the visibly moved Queen Margrethe said “Gud bevare kongen” (God save the King) and left the State Council Hall.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed King Frederik X’s accession to the throne

Shortly afterward, King Frederik X stepped out on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed King Frederik X’s accession to the throne. According to Danish state custom, the Prime Minister proclaimed three times: “Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has abdicated. Long live His Majesty King Frederik X!” This was followed by the traditional ninefold cheer from the crowd of tens of thousands who turned out to witness the proclamation.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Flantzer, Susan. (2024). The Abdication of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and The Accession of King Frederik X of Denmark. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/the-abdication-of-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-and-the-accession-of-king-frederik-x-of-denmark/
  • Flantzer, Susan. (2023). Which Monarchies Have Coronations? What Succession Ceremonies Do Other Monarchies Have? Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/which-monarchies-have-coronations-what-succession-ceremonies-do-the-other-monarchies-have/
  • Programme for the Succession of the Throne. Kongehuset (Danish Royal House). (2024). https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/programme-for-the-succession-of-the-throne
  • Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Abdication of Margrethe II. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdication_of_Margrethe_II

King’s Day – November 15 – Belgium

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Each November 15, King’s Day (in the three official languages of Belgium: Dutch: Koningsdag, French: Fête du Roi, German: Festtag des Königs) is celebrated. Although it is not a national public holiday, government institutions are closed.

Background

Leopold I, first King of the Belgians; Credit – Wikipedia

During the reign of Belgium’s first monarch Leopold I, King of the Belgians, born Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, who remained Protestant despite being the monarch of a Catholic country, the anniversary of his oath-taking which occurred on July 21, 1831, was celebrated on his birthday, December 16.

Leopold II, King of the Belgians; Credit – Wikipedia

During the reign of Leopold I’s Catholic son and successor, Leopold II, King of the Belgians, the name of the day was changed to the Name Day of His Majesty the King and was celebrated on November 15, Leopold II’s name day, the feast of his namesake saint, Leopold III, Margrave of Austria known as Saint Leopold the Good. July 21 was once again and still is celebrated when in 1890, Belgian National Day was changed to July 21, marking the anniversary of the investiture of Leopold I as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.

Albert I, King of the Belgians; Credit – Wikipedia

After his accession in 1909, Albert I, King of the Belgians, the Name Day of His Majesty the King moved to November 26, the feast day of Albert I’s namesake Saint Albert of Oberaltaich. After the death of his mother Marie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, Countess of Flanders on November 26, 1912, Albert I moved the date back to November 15, the feast day of Saint Albert the Great.

During the regency of Prince Charles, Count of Flanders, Prince Regent of Belgium from 1944 to 1950, the Belgian government renamed the celebration the Feast of the Dynasty because there was no Belgian monarch. In 1952, during the reign of Baudouin I, King of the Belgians, the celebration was renamed King’s Day.

How is King’s Day celebrated?

Prince Laurent with his parents former Queen Paola, former King Albert II, and his sister Princess Astrid at the Te Deum service on November 15, 2023

The Belgian monarch and his/her spouse do not attend any ceremonies on King’s Day. Protocol decrees that it would be inappropriate for them to honor themselves. Before 2000, King’s Day was only celebrated with a Te Deum, a religious service of blessing and thanks. A Te Deum service is still held in the morning at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, attended by members of the Belgian royal family.

Prince Laurent, former King Albert II, former Queen Paola, and Princess Astrid celebrating King’s Day at the Belgian Federal Parliament on November 15, 2023

Since 2001, to secularize the celebrations, a noon civil ceremony has been held at the Palace of the Nation, the home of the Belgian Federal Parliament. Members of the Belgian royal family, government officials, and prominent guests are in attendance. The civil ceremony consists of speeches, testimonies, and presentations to deserving citizens of national orders – the Order of Leopold, the Order of the Crown, and the Order of Leopold II.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Autoren der Wikimedia-Projekte. (2019, November 17). Festtag des Königs. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festtag_des_K%C3%B6nigs
  • Bijdragers aan Wikimedia-projecten. (2008). feestdag gevierd ter ere van de Koning van België. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koningsdag_(Belgi%C3%AB)
  • Contributeurs aux projets Wikimedia. (2004, November 14). fête célébrée en l’honneur du Roi des Belges. Wikipedia.org; Fondation Wikimedia, Inc. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_du_Roi_(Belgique)
  • Wikipedia Contributors. (2024). King’s Feast. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Feast

Belgian National Day – July 21 – Belgium

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

The swearing-in of Leopold I, King of the Belgians by Gustave Wappers (1831); Credit – Wikipedia

In August 1830, the southern provinces (modern-day Belgium) of the Netherlands rebelled against Dutch rule. International powers meeting in London agreed to support Belgian independence, even though the Dutch refused to recognize the new country. On April 22, 1831, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (the uncle of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert) was asked by the Belgian National Congress if he wanted to be King of the Belgians and he accepted.

On July 21, 1831, Leopold swore allegiance to the new Belgian constitution and was invested as the first King of the Belgians on the steps of the Royal Palace in Brussels. Belgian National Day was originally celebrated on September 27, the date in 1830 that the Dutch forces were expelled from Brussels during the Belgian Revolution‘s “September Days”. In 1890, Belgian National Day was changed to July 21, marking the anniversary of the investiture of Leopold I as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.

What happens on Belgian National Day?

Celebrations occur throughout Belgium starting with church services where the Te Deum hymn is sung and people pray for the Belgian monarch. The service ends with the singing of the national anthem, La Brabançonne. Local communities have flea markets, public concerts, and other celebrations, and Belgian flags are displayed in shops and homes.

2023 – The Belgian Royal Family on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula where the Te Deum service was held. Left to Right: Prince Emmanuel, Princess Elisabeth, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, King Albert, Queen Paola, Prince Gabriel, and Princess Eleonore

The main celebrations occur in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. In the morning, the Belgian royal family along with representatives from Belgium’s political institutions, foreign ambassadors, and representatives of European institutions attend a Te Deum, a religious service of blessing and thanks, at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.

The Belgian Royal Family watching the military parade in 2023

Later in the afternoon, the Belgian monarch reviews the Belgian Armed Forces and police who parade on the streets around the perimeter of Brussels Park, in front of the Royal Palace. Military groups from the European Union and Belgium’s NATO allies have also participated.

People eat mussels and Belgian fries while listening to live music in Brussels Park during the Belgian National Day in 2023.

In Brussels Park, the public can enjoy refreshments and view displays by Belgium’s public and emergency services, armed forces, charities, and civic associations.

The flypast making the Belgian tricolor in 2018; Credit – Door Me, Anonymous – Eigen werk, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71076343

There is a flypast by the Belgian Air Force.

King Philippe made his 2019 National Day Speech in front of a portrait of Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians.

The Belgian monarch makes a televised speech.

Fireworks during the 2023 Belgian National Day

In the evening, there is a concert and a fireworks display.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Important Dates. The Belgian Monarchy. (n.d.). https://www.monarchie.be/en/monarchy/events-linked-monarchy
  • Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Belgian National Day. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_National_Day
  • Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Fête Nationale Belge. Wikipedia. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_nationale_belge
  • Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Nationale Feestdag van België. Wikipedia. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationale_feestdag_van_Belgi%C3%AB

Commemoration for Deceased Members of the Belgian Royal Family – On or Around February 17 – Belgium

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium; By Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74138159

On or around February 17 each year, a Mass commemorating deceased members of the Belgian royal family is celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium.

King Albert I mountain climbing; Credit – Wikipedia

Albert I, King of the Belgians was an avid mountain climber. On February 17, 1934, while climbing alone on the Roche de Vieux Bon Dieu at Marche-les-Dames, in the Ardennes region of Belgium, 58-year-old Albert I fell to his death. A year later, on February 17, 1935, a Mass was celebrated in commemoration of the death of Albert I.

Queen Astrid and King Leopold III; Credit – Wikipedia

In August 1935, Albert I’s son and successor, Leopold III, King of the Belgians (reigned 1934 – 1951, abdicated), his wife Queen Astrid (born a Princess of Sweden), and their three children (the future Baudouin, King of the Belgians, the future Albert II, King of the Belgians, and Princess Joséphine Charlotte of Belgium, who married Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg) were on holiday in Switzerland. On August 29, 1935, having sent the children ahead, Leopold II and Astrid decided to take one last outing before returning to Belgium. On a drive in the mountains near Lake Lucerne, Leopold III was driving and Astrid was beside him. Leopold III was distracted by something Astrid pointed out and lost control of the car. The convertible went off the road and down a steep slope, crashing into a tree. Both were thrown out of the car. Leopold III was not seriously injured, however, 29-year-old Astrid was thrown into another tree and died from her injuries.

Interior of the Church of Our Lady of Laeken; Photo © Susan Flantzer

After the death of Queen Astrid, it was decided to commemorate all deceased members of the Belgian royal family. On or around February 17 each year, Belgian royal family members and extended family attend a Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium, the burial site of the Belgian Royal Family.

Queen Mathilde, Princess Delphine, King Philippe, Princess Claire, former King Albert II, Prince Laurent, and former Queen Paola attend the annual Mass in memory of deceased members of the Belgian Royal Family at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken on February 20, 2024

After the Mass, the family visits the Royal Crypt in the Church of Our Lady of Laeken where past monarchs, consorts, and other royal family members are interred.

Entrance to the Royal Crypt; Photo © Susan Flantzer

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • Flantzer, Susan. (2020). Royal Deaths from Car Accidents. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/royal-deaths-from-car-accidents/
  • Important Dates. The Belgian Monarchy. (n.d.-b). https://www.monarchie.be/en/monarchy/events-linked-monarchy
  • Mehl, Scott. (2015). King Albert I of the Belgians. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/king-albert-i-of-belgium/
  • Mehl, Scott. (2015). Queen Astrid of the Belgians. Unofficial Royalty.
  • https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/queen-astrid-of-belgium/
  • Memorial Service to Honor the Deceased Belgium Royals. (2023). https://gertsroyals.blogspot.com/2023/02/memorial-service-to-honor-deceased.html

Accession To The Throne – Belgium

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

The soon-to-be Philippe, King of the Belgians and his father, the abdicated Albert II, King of the Belgians

Belgium is a young monarchy and does not have the long history of the other European monarchies. In August 1830, the southern provinces (modern-day Belgium) of the Netherlands rebelled against Dutch rule. International powers meeting in London agreed to support the independence of Belgium, even though the Dutch refused to recognize the new country. On April 22, 1831, the Belgian National Congress asked Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, uncle of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, if he wanted to be King of the Belgians. Leopold I, King of the Belgians swore allegiance to the new Constitution of Belgium on July 21, 1831, and became the first King of the Belgians. Under the Constitution of Belgium, the Belgian monarch is styled “King/Queen of the Belgians” to reflect that the monarch is “of the Belgian people.” Since 1830, there have been seven Belgian monarchs.

Belgium is the only current European monarchy in which the heir to the throne does not automatically ascend to the throne upon the death or abdication of his or her predecessor. In Belgium, there is an interregnum – a period when there is no ruler – between the monarch’s death or abdication and his/her successor’s accession. According to Article 90 and Article 91 of the Constitution of Belgium, the heir accedes to the throne only after taking a constitutional oath before a joint session of the two Houses of Parliament. The joint session must be held within ten days of the death or abdication of the previous monarch.

The most recent accession to the Belgian throne is that of Philippe, King of the Belgians. In early July 2013, Albert II, King of the Belgians announced his intention to abdicate, citing health reasons. On July 21, 2013, Belgium’s National Day, he signed the formal document of abdication and his elder son Philippe became King of the Belgians after he took the Belgian constitutional oath before The United Chambers, the legislative body created when both chambers of the Belgian Federal Parliament – the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate – meet in joint session.

The Cathedral of Saint Michael and Gudula as guests arrive for the Te Deum Service

The events of July 21, 2013 started with a Te Deum, a short religious service held to give thanks, at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula in Brussels, Belgium led by André-Joseph Léonard, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels and Primate of Belgium from 2010 until he retired in 2015.

The formal abdication of Albert II, King of the Belgians in the Throne Room at the Royal Palace of Brussels

After the Te Deum, the formal abdication of Albert II, King of the Belgians was held. At 10:20 AM, Queen Fabiola (the widow of Albert II’s childless elder brother and predecessor Baudouin, King of the Belgians), Princess Astrid (Albert II’s daughter) and her husband Prince Lorenz (born an Archduke of Austria-Este from the former reigning House of Austria-Este), Prince Laurent (King Albert II’s younger son) and his wife Princess Claire (born Claire Coombs) arrived in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace in Brussels. Shortly afterward, Albert II, King of the Belgians and Queen Paola (born Paola Ruffo di Calabria), Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde (born Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz) arrived.

The abdication ceremony began with a speech by Albert II, King of the Belgians memorable for an unscripted, emotional tribute to his wife: “As for Queen Paola, who constantly supported me in my work during these twenty years, I just want to say thank you . . . and a big kiss.” The many dignitaries in attendance applauded the speech and a very emotional Queen Paola held back tears.

Albert II, King of the Belgians signs the Deed of Abdication as Prime Minister Elio di Rupo looks on

After Prime Minister Elio di Rupo‘s speech, the Minister of Justice, Annemie Turtelboom, read the Deed of Abdication which Albert II, King of the Belgians and the witnesses then signed. After his abdication, the former king was styled King Albert II of Belgium.

 

The swearing-in of King Philippe took place the same day at noon in the presence of both chambers of the Belgian Federal Parliament at the nearby Palace of the Nation, a neoclassical palace in Brussels, Belgium, that houses the Belgian Federal Parliament.

 

In Belgium’s three official languages, French, Dutch, and German, King Philippe took the Belgian constitutional oath from Article 91 of the Constitution of Belgium: “I swear to respect the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people, to preserve the independence of the country and to safeguard the integrity of the national territory”, confirming the monarchy’s constitutional role. In his acceptance speech, King Philippe confirmed his commitment to continuing his father’s work, to preserve Belgium’s unity.

 

Afterward, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde with their four children, the heir apparent Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore, along with King Albert, Queen Paola, and Queen Fabiola greeted the Belgian people from the Royal Palace balcony.

 

In the late afternoon, King Philippe, wearing his uniform as commander-in-chief of the Belgian Army, inspected the troops from an open vehicle.

 

Then the entire Belgian royal family watched the military parade which included marching bands, military vehicles, the Red Cross, police cars, members of the Special Forces, fire services, and policemen on their bicycles.

 

Fighter jets flew over the center of Brussels, painting black, yellow, and red stripes in the sky. Later in the evening, there were fireworks.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

  • BBC. (2013, July 21). Philippe Becomes New Belgian King as Albert II Abdicates. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-23393963
  • Casert, R., & Corder, M. (2013, July 21). Philippe Becomes King of Belgium. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/21/belgium-king-albert-philippe/2572449/
  • Die verfassung belgiens (The Constitution of Belgium). (n.d.). https://www.senate.be/deutsch/const_de.html
  • Important Dates. The Belgian Monarchy. (n.d.). https://www.monarchie.be/en/monarchy/events-linked-monarchy
  • Royalty. (2014, May 27). The Accession of King Philippe. Royalty Magazine. https://royalty-magazine.com/wpcoco/royalty/belgium/accession-king-philippe/
  • VRT NWS: news. (2013, July 21). King Filip Inspects the Troops, Watches Military March-Past. vrtnws.be. https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2013/07/21/king_filip_inspectsthetroopswatchesmilitarymarch-past-1-1684232/