Category Archives: Royal Ceremonies, Events

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/

Diplomatic Reception – United Kingdom – Late November or Early December

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

December 5, 2023 – Queen Camilla, King Charles III, The Prince of Wales, and The Princess of Wales pose for a photograph ahead of The Diplomatic Reception

The Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in London, England is hosted to honor the foreign missions accredited to the Court of St James’s in London. Held in late November or early December, the event marks the start of the Christmas Season for the British Royal Family. It is the largest indoor event on the royal calendar, hosting about 1,000 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, their spouses, and other guests for drinks, dinner, and dancing.

What is the Court of St James’s?

A view of the north front of St James’s Palace in 1819; Credit – Wikipedia

The Court of St James’s is the official royal court of the British Monarch. St. James’s refers to St. James’s Palace, the senior royal palace in London, built by King Henry VIII in the 1530s. St. James’s Palace is still a working palace, and the Royal Court is still formally based there, despite the monarch residing elsewhere. The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, the Royal Collection Trust, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, the Chapel Royal, the Gentlemen at Arms, the Yeomen of the Guard, and the King’s Watermen all have their offices at St. James’s Palace. Ambassadors from foreign countries to the United Kingdom are still accredited to the Court of St. James’s.

St. James’s Palace is the London home of several members of the British royal family and their household offices, and it hosts many receptions each year for charities associated with members of the royal family. The Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace has been used since King Henry VIII’s reign and is still used by the British royal family.

The State Apartments are used for entertaining during state visits, and for other ceremonial and formal occasions. The Accession Council meets in St. James’s Palace following the death of a monarch. The Proclamation of the New Monarch by the Garter King of Arms takes place from the Proclamation Gallery overlooking the Friary Court of St. James’s Palace.

Who attends the Diplomation Reception?

The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps coordinates the invitation list. Invitations are sent to all the Ambassadors and High Commissioners at the foreign missions in London, as well as past Prime Ministers, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, and other public figures. Spouses are included.

What is the dress code for the Diplomatic Reception?

Guests in various dress as they await the arrival of the royal family in 2017

For men, the dress code is national dress, white tie (evening dress), or court dress (knee breeches). For women, the dress code calls for national dress or long ball gowns.

What happens at the Diplomatic Reception?

During the Diplomatic Reception, the British Monarch, his/her spouse, and other royal family members host the guests in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. First, there is a greeting line, followed by a drinks reception, and then a buffet dinner. After the buffet dinner, there is dancing in the Ballroom.

December 6, 2022 – King Charles III and Queen Camilla enter the Diplomatic Reception to a fanfare of trumpets

A fanfare of trumpets announces the arrival of the Monarch, accompanied by members of the royal family.

December 6, 2022 – King Charles III greeting guests in the greeting line

The Monarch and the members of the royal family greet all the guests. The guests in the greeting line are arranged by diplomatic precedence – their length of time in office. The longest-serving London diplomat, known as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, is first in the greeting line.

 December 11, 2019 – Catherine, then The Duchess of Cambridge, William, then the Duke of Cambridge, and Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, conversing with guests.

After the formal greeting line, royal family members circulate throughout the room during the drinks receptions, conversing with the guests. This is followed by two buffets. The first buffet is served in The State Dining Room, The Blue Drawing Room, and The White Drawing Room. The second is served in The Picture Gallery, The Green Drawing Room, and The Ball Supper Room. After the buffet dinner, there is dancing in the Ballroom.

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. (2021). Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace in London, England. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/chapel-royal-at-st-jamess-palace-in-london-england/
  • Goodbody, J. (2024, January 22). All the dazzling diamonds from the diplomatic corps reception. Only Natural Diamonds. https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/rare/dazzling-diamonds-diplomatic-corps-reception-royal-family/#:~:text=Each%20November%20or%20December%2C%20the,from%20all%20over%20the%20world.
  • Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
  • The King and Diplomacy. The Royal Family. (n.d.). https://www.royal.uk/the-king-and-diplomacy#:~:text=The%20Diplomatic%20Reception%2C%20which%20takes,State%20Rooms%20at%20Buckingham%20Palace.

National Service of Remembrance – November – United Kingdom

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

2010 National Service of Remembrance; Photo: Sgt Dan Harmer, RLC/MOD, OGL v1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26910545

Members of the British Royal Family attend the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday in November or the Sunday nearest to November 11, the anniversary of the Armistice,  the end of hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918. Remembrance Sunday commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military men and women in World War I, World War II, and later conflicts. Many countries changed the name from Armistice Day, with member states of the Commonwealth of Nations adopting Remembrance Day and the United States opting for Veterans Day.

What is the Cenotaph?

The Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, England; By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32768399

A cenotaph is a monument erected in memory of a deceased person whose body is buried elsewhere. The word comes from the Greek kenotaphion, kenos “empty” + taphos “tomb”. The Cenotaph is a war memorial on Whitehall in London, England. Whitehall is the street recognized as the center of the Government of the United Kingdom. Along Whitehall are many government departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office.

The temporary Cenotaph in an etching by William Monk, published in 1920; Credit – Wikipedia

In 1919, British architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens was approached by Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Sir Alfred Mond, First Commissioner of Works, to design a temporary cenotaph that would stand on Whitehall to be part of Peace Day celebrations in July 1919. Although the temporary cenotaph was intended to stand for only one week, it was so popular that Lutyens was asked to design a permanent one.

The Cenotaph is made from Portland stone. The design guides the eye upwards, in a back-and-forth motion, from the plinth to the words “The Glorious Dead” (referring to those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II and later conflicts), the flags on the sides, the dates of the wars, and the laurel wreaths (carved by the sculptor Francis Derwent Wood) and finally to the empty tomb on top. The Cenotaph is 35 feet/11 meters high and 15 by 9 feet/4.5 by 2.7 meters at the base.

The unveiling of The Cenotaph on November 11, 1920. The gun carriage bearing the casket of The Unknown Warrior can be seen on the left.

The Cenotaph was unveiled on November 11, 1920, the same day The Unknown Warrior was given a full state funeral and interred in the Nave of Westminster Abbey, only a few feet from the entrance. The casket of The Unknown Warrior was placed on a gun carriage and drawn by six black horses through the streets of London lined with large and silent crowds. When the gun carriage reached Whitehall, it stopped at The Cenotaph, which was then unveiled by King George V. The gun carriage was then followed by King George V, members of the Royal Family, and the government ministers to Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of The Unknown Warrior.

What happens at the National Service of Remembrance?

A military band at the 2023 Service of Remembrance

The ceremony begins at 10:36 AM with a music program that has remained unchanged since 1930.

  • Rule, Britannia! by Thomas Arne – A patriotic song, originating from the poem “Rule, Britannia” by James Thomson
  • Heart of Oak by William Boyce – Words by the 18th-century English actor David Garrick. It is the official march of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, and formerly the Royal Australian Navy.
  • The Minstrel Boy – Traditional Irish air – Words by Thomas Moore in remembrance of his friends from Trinity College, Dublin who were killed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It is associated with the Irish Army and the traditionally Irish regiments in the army of the United Kingdom.
  • Men of Harlech (Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech) – Traditional Welsh air – Words describe events during the seven-year siege of Harlech Castle between 1461 and 1468.
  • The Skye Boat Song – Traditional Scottish air – The song tells how Bonnie Prince Charlie, disguised as a serving maid, escaped in a small boat after the defeat of his Jacobite rising of 1745, with the aid of Flora MacDonald. The lyrics were written by Sir Harold Boulton, 2nd Baronet.
  • Isle of Beauty – Music by T.A. Rawlings – Words from the poem by Thomas Haynes Bayly – The phrase “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” comes from the poem.
  • David of the White Rock (Dafydd y Garreg Wen) – Music and words attributed to David Owen
  • Oft in the Stilly Night – arrangement by John Andrew Stevenson of older Scottish air, words by Thomas Moore (who also wrote the words to The Minstrel Boy above.
  • Flowers of the Forest – Scottish folk tune – Commemorates the defeat of the Scottish army of James IV, King of Scots at the Battle of Flodden in September 1513.
  • Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar – Nimrod, was an Old Testament patriarch described as “a mighty hunter before the Lord”

Music played during the actual National Service of Remembrance

  • Dido’s Lament from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell – The final scene of the opera Dido and Aeneas when Dido, the Queen of Carthage, rejects her lover Aeneas for having thought of leaving her.
  • The Supreme Sacrifice – Music by Charles Harris – Words were taken from a poem by Sir John Stanhope Arkwright
  • Solemn Melody by Henry Walford Davies, originally for organ and orchestra
  • Last Post – A bugle call used at Commonwealth military funerals and ceremonies commemorating those killed in war. The “Last Post” call originally signaled that the final sentry post had been inspected, and the camp was secure for the night.
  • Beethoven’s Funeral March No. 1 – Formerly attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven but now known to have been composed by his contemporary Johann Heinrich Walch.
  • O God, Our Help in Ages Past – Hymn by Isaac Watts that paraphrases the 90th Psalm
  • The Rouse – A bugle call most often associated with the military in Commonwealth countries. It is commonly played following Last Post at military services and is often mistakenly referred to as Reveille.
  • God Save the King – The National Anthem of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

King Charles III leads The Prince of Wales, and The Princess Royal to The Cenotaph during the 2023 Service of Rembrance

As the band plays Dido’s Lament by Henry Purcell, the clergy led by a cross-bearer and the Choir of the Chapel Royal, proceeds to The Cenotaph. The service is led by the Dean of the Chapel Royal, usually the Bishop of London. During the playing of Solemn Melody by Henry Walford Davies, politicians, high commissioners, religious leaders from many faiths, and humanists representing the non-religious assemble. All stand at attention in silence as the Royal Family emerges.

As Big Ben strikes 11:00 AM, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fires a single-shot salute from World War I era guns on Horse Guards Parade. Two minutes’ silence is then observed. The silence represents the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 when the Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of World War I as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11:00 AM November 11, 1918. This silence is ended by Gunners of the Royal Horse Artillery firing a gun salute. Royal Marines buglers then sound the Last Post.

King Charles III lays the first wreath at the 2023 National Service of Remembrance

The first wreath is laid by The Monarch on behalf of the nation, followed by other members of the Royal Family laying wreaths. The Queen, The Princess of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family watch the ceremony from the Foreign Office balcony.

Queen Camilla and The Princess of Wales watch the 2023 National Service of Remembrance

The Prime Minister, other government leaders, former living Prime Ministers, and representatives of the military

The band plays Beethoven’s Funeral March No.1 by Johann Heinrich Walch as the Prime Minister lays a wreath. Other Commonwealth leaders also lay wreaths if they are present, along with the Leader of the Opposition, the leaders of major political parties, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Speaker, the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary, Commonwealth High Commissioners, former living United Kingdom prime ministers, representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Army, Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy, and the civilian emergency services.

The clergy conducting the religious service

The Dean of the Chapel Royal, usually the Bishop of London, conducts a short religious service. The hymn O God Our Help In Ages Past is sung and The Lord’s Prayer is recited.

The Rouse is played by the buglers, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The Monarch and the other members of the Royal Family salute The Cenotaph and depart.

After the National Service of Remembrance

The Veterans Parade in 2023

As the bands play marches and popular World War I era and World War II era songs, a parade of veterans march past The Cenotaph, saluting as they pass and laying wreaths at The Cenotaph. The veterans’ parade includes members of the Reserve Forces, volunteers from St John Ambulance, paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, and veterans from World War II, Korea, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other past conflicts.

The Guards Memorial with Horse Guards Parade and the Admiralty Offices in the background  By Doyle of London – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=134168924

The veterans march back to Horse Guards Parade, where a member of the Royal Family takes their salute in front of the Guards Memorial which commemorates the war dead from the Guards Division and related units during World War I and the war dead of the Household Division during World War II and other conflicts since 1918.

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

  • Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
  • History of the Cenotaph. English Heritage. (n.d.). https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/the-cenotaph/history/
  • National Service of Remembrance. (2023). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Service_of_Remembrance
  • The Cenotaph. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cenotaph
  • What is the Cenotaph?. Imperial War Museums. (n.d.). https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-is-the-cenotaph

Royal Ascot – United Kingdom

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

A view of the Grandstand at the 2023 Royal Ascot; Credit – By Fabiopao – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133645495

Royal Ascot, held from June 18 – 22 in 2024, is a five-day race meeting held at Ascot Racecourse located in Ascot, Berkshire, England, 6 miles/9.7 km from Windsor Castle. The Ascot Racecourse covers 179 acres/72 hectares leased from the Crown Estate, a collection of lands and holdings in the United Kingdom belonging to the British monarch. Ascot Racecourse has 26 days of racing during the year, 18 days of thoroughbred horse racing between April and October, and 8 days of jump meetings between October and March.

History of Ascot Racecourse

King George IV and his brother Prince Frederick, Duke of York watching horse racing in The Royal Stand at Royal Ascot in the early 19th century

Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne (reigned 1702 – 1714). While Queen Anne was riding out from Windsor Castle, she came upon an area of open land with grass, bushes, and other small plants, and declared it was “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch”. Her plans for a new race meeting were announced in the London Gazette of July 12, 1711: “Her Majesty’s Plate of 100 guineas will be run for round the new heat on Ascott Common, near Windsor, on Tuesday, August 7th next, by any horse, mare or gelding, being no more than six years old the grass before, as must be certified under the hand of the breeder, carrying 12 St., [Note: 12 St. = 12 stone = 168 pounds] three heats, to be entered the last day of July, at Mr. Hancock’s, at Fern Hill, near the Starting Post.”

The first race meeting was postponed until August 11, 1711. Queen Anne and her court drove in horse and carriage from Windsor Castle to witness the first race, a seven-horse race with a £50 prize, won by a horse called Doctor owned by Charles Beauclerk, 2nd Duke of St Albans, grandson of King Charles II of England and his mistress Nell Gwynn.

The first grandstand, able to hold 1,650 people, was completed in 1793 and was used for almost fifty years. An 1813 Act of Parliament ensured that the Ascot Heath would be used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Today’s grandstands at Ascot Racecourse have a capacity of 70,000.

The administration of Ascot Racecourse is handled on behalf of the Crown by His/Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, now appointed by the Monarch. Until 1901, the position was held by the Master of the Buckhounds, the reason why some races (see below) were named in honor of a Master of the Buckhounds.

What happens at Royal Ascot?

“The Road to the Races” – During the reign of Queen Victoria, coaches make their way down the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, on their way to Ascot Racecourse in 1846. This is still the current practice.

In a tradition started by King George IV in 1825, each day of the five days of Royal Ascot, the Royal Family rides from Windsor Castle in the five Ascot Landaus, smaller and lighter carriages with basket-work sides, which are used each year at Royal Ascot. They arrive at the racetrack at 2:00 PM. The National Anthem is played and the Royal Standard is raised. The Royal Family sits in the Royal Enclosure.

The Royal Procession arrives at the Parade Ring during  the 2023 Royal Ascot

The Queen Anne Stakes is the first race on opening day, always a Tuesday, honoring Queen Anne’s gift to racing, founding Ascot Racecourse. There are traditional races held each day, and many of them have royalty-related names.

Tuesday

  • Queen Anne Stakes – first held in 1840
  • Coventry Stakes – first held in 1890
  • King Charles III Stakes – first held in 1890, originally the Queen’s Stand Plate, then the King’s Stand Plate following the death of Queen Victoria and the accession of King Edward VII in 1901, renamed the King Charles III Stakes in 2023 to mark the King‘s 75th birthday
  • St James’s Palace Stakes – first held in 1834
  • Ascot Stakes – first held in 1988
  • Wolferton Stakes – first held in 2002, when Royal Ascot was extended to five days to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, named after the village of Wolferton near Sandringham House
  • Buckingham Palace Stakes – first held in 2002, when the Royal Ascot meeting was extended to a fifth day to mark the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, named after Buckingham Palace

Wednesday

  • Jersey Stakes – first held in 1919
  • Queen Mary Stakes – first held in 1921, named in honor of Queen Mary, wife of King George V
  • Duke of Cambridge Stakes – first held in 2004, originally titled the Windsor Forest Stakes, renamed the Duke of Cambridge Stakes in 2013 in honor of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
  • Prince of Wales’s Stakes – first held in 1862, named after the Prince of Wales at that time, the future King Edward VII
  • Royal Hunt Cup Handicap – first held in 1843
  • Sandringham Stakes – first held in 1988, named after Sandringham, where Sandringham House, one of the royal residencies is located

Thursday

  • Norfolk Stakes – first held in 1843, originally called the New Stakes, renamed the Norfolk Stakes in 1973 in of Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, 16th Duke of Norfolk who served as HM’s Representative at Ascot from 1945 to 1972
  • Hampton Court Stakes – first held in 1996, had several names, renamed in 2002 named after Hampton Court, a royal residence of the Tudor period
  • Ribblesdale Stakes – first held in 1919, named in honor of Thomas Lister, 4th Baron Ribblesdale, who served as the Master of the Buckhounds from 1892 to 1895
  • Gold Cup – first held in 1807
  • Britannia Stakes – first held in 1928
  • King George V Stakes – first held in 1988

Friday

  • Albany Stakes – first held in 2002, originally the Henry Carnavon Stakes in memory of Henry Herbert, 7th Earl of Carnarvon, Queen Elizabeth II’s racing manager, who died in 2001, renamed Albany Stakes in 2003
  • King Edward VII Stakes – first held in 1834, originally known as the Ascot Derby, renamed King Edward VII Stakes in 1926
  • Commonwealth Cup – first held in 2015
  • Coronation Stakes – first held in 1840, commemorating the coronation of Queen Victoria, two years earlier
  • Duke of Edinburgh Stakes – first held in 1914, originally the Bessborough Stakes in honor of John Ponsonby, 5th Earl of Bessborough who was Master of the Buckhounds, renamed in 1999 in honor of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
  • Queen’s Vase – first held in 1838, the original trophy was a gold vase donated by Queen Victoria

Saturday

  • Chesham Stakes – first held in 1919, in honor of Charles Cavendish, 3rd Baron Chesham, the last Master of the Buckhounds
  • Windsor Castle Stakes – first held in 1988
  • Hardwicke Stakes – first held in 1879, in honor of Charles Yorke, 5th Earl of Hardwicke, who served as the Master of the Buckhounds
    Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – first held in 1868, originally called the All-Aged Stakes, renamed the Cork and Orrery Stakes in 1926, in honor of Richard Boyle, 9th Earl of Cork, who served as the Master of the Buckhounds, renamed Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2002 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, renamed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and in 2022 it was again renamed to the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
  • Wokingham Stakes – first held in 1813, named after Wokingham, a market town several miles to the west of Ascot
  • Queen Alexandra Stakes – first held in 1864, originally called the Alexandra Plate, named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark who married The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII in 1863, renamed Queen Alexandra Stakes in 1931, traditionally the last race on the final day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting

The Enclosures

There are four enclosures, or viewing areas, at Royal Ascot: Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure, and Windsor Enclosure. The Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure, and Windsor Enclosure are open to the public.

The Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure has grandstand seats (on the right) and a close-up standing area

The Royal Enclosure, where the British Royal Family sits, is the most prestigious, and access is strictly limited. First-time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure Office and be sponsored by someone who has attended the Royal Enclosure for at least four years. Existing members are sent invitations by His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot to request badges each year. Badges are handwritten and can only be worn by the named person. The colors of badges vary for each day of the Royal Ascot.

The Queen Anne Enclosure

Racegoers relax in the interior of the Queen Anne Enclosure

The Queen Anne Enclosure is famous for its high fashion and extraordinary ladies’ hats. It is the only public enclosure that grants access to the Parade Ring, Grandstand, and Bandstand where Singing Around The Bandstand takes place each day after racing.

The Village Enclosure

Racegoers in the Village Enclosure

The Village Enclosure is on the inside of the track. It provides a festival atmosphere with street food stalls, cocktail bars, and live music.

The Windsor Enclosure

Racegoers in the Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure provides a party atmosphere with roaming musicians and no formal dress code although there are items of clothing not allowed in any enclosure. Those attending can bring a picnic lunch or visit the bars and food stalls. The trackside lawns offer exciting views of the horses racing for victory as they thunder down the track.

Dress Codes

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, now The Prince and Princess of Wales, wearing morning dress with a top hat (William) and formal daywear with a headpiece (Catherine) and their Royal Enclosure badges in 2017; Credit – Ascot Racecourse. (2024, April 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_Racecourse

Each of the four Royal Ascot enclosures has a different Dress Code. The dress codes are very specific and very strict, especially for the Royal Enclosure. Below are dress codes verbatim from the Ascot Racecourse website: Dress Codes by Enclosure

There are some items of clothing not permitted in any enclosure:

  • Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos, or cartoon imagery)
  • Trainers (Sneakers)
  • Denim
  • Leggings
  • Shorts

ROYAL ENCLOSURE: Members and their guests must adhere to the dress codes by choosing to follow in full a dress code they feel most comfortable with.

LADIES

Embed from Getty Images

  • A dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
  • Shoulder straps that are a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
  • A jacket or pashmina may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply.
  • A trouser suit of matching material and colour
  • A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements
  • Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable. (Note: A hatinator is fastened on the head with a band like a fascinator, but has the appearance of a hat, while a fascinator is much smaller and normally does not go over the sides of the head.)

GENTLEMEN

  • Morning dress of black, grey or navy material
  • A waistcoat and necktie (patterns of a patriotic nature, for example a national flag, are acceptable)
  • A black or grey top hat (may be removed within a restaurant or Private Box. Top hats may also be removed within an enclosed external seating area, terrace, balcony, or garden)
  • Black dress shoes worn with socks covering the ankle

JUNIORS (Aged 10-17)

  • Those aged 10-17 should dress in accordance with the above dress codes. However, a headpiece or fascinator may be worn as an alternative to a hat, without any size requirement.
  • Juniors under 17 may wear morning dress as per the above. Alternatively, a dark-coloured lounge suit with a collared shirt and necktie is also permitted.

NOT PERMITTED IN THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE

  • Unless under the age of 17, fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm)

Dresses and tops that are:

  • Strapless or one shoulder
  • Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back)
  • Spaghetti straps
  • Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
  • Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
  • Customised top hats (with, for example; coloured ribbons, feathers or embellishments)
  • Cravats, bow ties and neckerchiefs

QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE

LADIES

  • A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
  • A trouser suit of matching material and colour
  • A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements
  • A hat, headpiece or fascinator

GENTLEMEN

  • A full-length two or three-piece suit. Jackets and trousers should be of matching material (morning dress is also permitted)
  • A collared shirt
  • A necktie (patterns of a patriotic nature, for example a national flag, are acceptable)
  • Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle

JUNIORS (Aged 10-17)

  • Those aged 10-17 should dress in accordance with either of the above dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.
  • Juniors under the age of nine should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie with their trousers and shirt.

NOT PERMITTED IN THE QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE

  • Dresses and tops that are:
  • Strapless or one shoulder
  • Off-the-shoulder or bardot
  • Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
  • Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
  • Cravats, bow ties and neckerchiefs

VILLAGE ENCLOSURE

LADIES

  • A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
  • Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
  • Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements
  • A hat, headpiece or fascinator

GENTLEMEN

  • A suit jacket or blazer (can be of different material to the trousers)
  • A full-length trouser or chino
  • A collared shirt
  • A necktie, bow tie or cravat (patterns of a patriotic nature, for example a national flag, are acceptable)
  • Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle

JUNIORS (Aged 10-17)

  • Those aged 10-17 should dress in accordance with either of the above dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.

NOT PERMITTED IN THE VILLAGE ENCLOSURE

Dresses and tops that are:

  • Strapless or one shoulder
  • Off-the-shoulder or bardot
  • Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
  • Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)

WINDSOR ENCLOSURE

  • Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. A hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged along with a jacket and collared shirt.

OVERSEAS VISITORS & SERVING MILITARY PERSONNEL (in any enclosure)

OVERSEAS VISITORS

  • Visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country or Service Dress. If your National Dress does not include a hat or headpiece then you do not need to wear one. Religious headdress is permitted in place of a hat or headpiece.

SERVING MILITARY PERSONNEL

  • Serving military personnel are welcome to wear Service Dress or equivalent.

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

  • Ascot. Ascot Racecourse. (n.d.). https://www.ascot.com/horse-races-and-events/royal-ascot/overview
  • Ascot. Ascot Racecourse. (n.d.). https://www.ascot.com/what-to-wear/royal-ascot-dress-code
  • Ascot Racecourse. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_Racecourse
  • Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
  • Royal Ascot. The Royal Family. https://www.royal.uk/royal-ascot