SUBJECTS' LOVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 13

SUBJECTS' LOVE

SECUKE PLACE HELD ACCESSION TO THRONE TOUCHING FAMILY SCENES The secure place which the late Queen Astrid of Belgium held in the hearts of her people was never more strikingly demonstrated than at the ceremony marking the accession of her husband, Prince Leopold, to the Throne. The enthusiasm of the event, tempered bv the appropriate solemn period, was characterised by unrehearsed family scenes, in which the little Prince Baudouin played a major part. Tiiorc was no roronation. Belgium has neither crown nor regalia. Just, the few words of the oath, spoken hy the Prince in a clear voice, his right arm upheld, in the Chamber of Deputies on February 20, 10.14, marked his accession to the Throne. The oath is as follows: —"f swear to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people and to maintain tho national independence and integrity of the territory." To the left of the King was his wife. Queen Astrid, strikingly beautiful, in black, a rope of pearls about her neck. When she entered the densely-crowded Chamber, leading their two tiny whiteclad chilrlren. Prince Baurloiiin and Princess Josephine Charlotte, by the hand, the roar of cheers and cries of "Long live the Queen" continued for a full minute. Their third child, Prince Albert, was not then born.

Acknowledgment ol Greeting The Queen curtseyed and waved her black-gloved hand, while deputies and senators shouted and flourished their hats in greeting. Little Prince Baudouin, who was not then four years old, a, tiny fair-haired figure, caused a laugh by waving his hand also. Next moment the nproar broke out afresh as from the other side y>f the Chamber Prince Leopold appeared. Dressed in kliaki and with the scarlet ribbon of the Order of Leopold across bis chest, he strode to the throne and stood there while the tumult of welcome continued. Galleries and parterre joined wildly in the enthusiasm. As the young man stood there, grave and dignified, inclining his head in acknowledgment, the facial likeness to his father, the late King Albert, wan strong. During the King's address some delicious by-plav went on between Prince Baudouin and Queen Astrid. The little Prince showed signs of restlessness from the first. Even at such a solemn ceremony his actions several times brought a barely-suppressed ripple of laughter. He tried to kiss his mother. Then he put his hand up to play with her pearl necklace. Later he whispered at great length in her ear. Prince ot Wales' Gesture Between times the child jumped off his chair and on again. Once, while everyone was clapping, he clapped too, in childish imitation. Then the scarlet cap of the cardinal caught his attention, and ho pointed it out to his mother. . Queen Astrid and a Court official smilingly attempted to repress these little exuberances. For some time his mother took her son on her knee. Prince Umberto, the child's uncle, and Prince Charles, his grandfather, also took a hand. Once the Prince of Wales was seen to smile at the child over the Queen's shoulder and lift his admiral s hat to distract his attention. Little Princess Josephine Charlotte meanwhile sat bolt upright, with all the grave assurance of her 6i years. When toward the end of the King's speech His Majesty referred to his wife and children, the little Princess once left her chair and acknowledged the cheers with her mother.

Prince Baudouin, however, was otherwise engaged, and Prince TJmberto helped to get him down. Finally, he waved in vigorous acknowledgment when everyone else had stopped. Ihere can have been few in the assembly even the Communists —who were not a little touched by this innocent intervention of a typical family scene in the middle of a grave affair of State. Queen Breaks Down and Weeps

One of Belgium's sharper problems -was recalled when an announcement by the President of the Senate was read first in French and then repeated in Flemish, the first few uords of the latter language being greeted with "Bravos" from a section of the Flemish deputies. Throughout the ceremony the two languages were (employed. < When "Le Roi" was shouted to announce the King's arrival, "Do Koning" came at once like an echo. /. The Prince of Wales was a striking figure in the full dress uniform of an admiral of the fleet. On his other side was the giant Prince Charles of Sweden, father of Queen Astrid. A little apart from this group stood Prince Charles, King Leopold's only brother, dressed in khaki. While the King took the oath, Queen Astrid watched him with an affectionate smiie. How great had been Queen Astrid's effort to keep a smiling demeanour was shown directly after the ceremony. No sooner had the Royal couple left the Chamber than she broke down and wept.