When I think of Belgium, I think of Tintin, the EU, and lots of arguing about who should speak what language.
The Belgian royals are a lovely family, but they are not usually on my radar. They are pretty quiet in comparison to their fellow royals.
In Britain, we see the young Prince William sending the media into a frenzy over whom he will marry; in Holland, the traditional ‘Queen’s Day’ ended in drama when a crazed man drove his car through the crowds; and in Sweden, the Crown Princess is about to set a record when she marries next year – the only Queen regnant to take a commoner husband and grant him the HRH title.
Lately, however, I’ve seen that the Belgian royals are full of character and crazy events. We don’t always get to see the funny, dramatic, or casual side to the lives of Royalty until that one crowning moment.
That moment came when Belgium’s dowager Queen Fabiola was threatened with death by an anonymous nut. They claimed that they would shoot to kill during Belgium’s National Day celebrations, the fatal blow to be delivered with a crossbow.
I don’t know about you, but I would take that threat very seriously. I’d consider attending said celebration with a bullet-proof vest and some chain mail. Under armor.
Not Queen Fabiola.
This feisty Queen Mum of België decided to dress in normal attire, with the typical royal chapeau and… an apple.
The surrounding members of her family were seen chuckling as Fabiola brandished the apple. She waved it to and fro, as if to say, Where are you, William Tell?
You might, at this juncture, expect a white-gloved thumb to the nose and a quiet “Neener neener”.
I think from now on, the monarchy of King Albert II will be watched closely by this royal blogger. They have surprises up their sleeves, they do.
Quickly, Philippe! Pass me my apple!
