Funeral of King Baudouin of Belgium, 1993

 King Baudouin of Belgium was a beloved Sovereign whose long reign was marked by instability but his quiet presence proved reassuring to his subjects. After his sudden death on holiday in Spain, he was widely mourned across Belgium and the world. Take a look at scenes from the Funeral of King Baudouin, who died on this day in 1993-

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The State Funeral took place at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula after a display at the Royal Palace of Brussels. The late King was interred in the royal vault at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken.

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Guests at the funeral included Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte (sister of King Baudouin) of Luxembourg, Queen Elizabeth II (at her only foreign royal funeral) and the Duke of Edinburgh, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, King Harald V (first cousin of King Baudouin) and Queen Sonja of Norway, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Prince of Orange, and King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain.

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6 thoughts on “Funeral of King Baudouin of Belgium, 1993

  1. King Baudouin was indeed a special person. It was so sad when he and Queen Fabiola couldn’t have children. I’m sure they would have been loving and doting parents. I remember his funeral. It was quite remarkable because Queen Elizabeth II attended and she rarely if ever does, especially if it’s out of the country. It’s such a palaver when she travels abroad that she sends a representative. But I guess that’s where King Baudouin was different. She wanted to go herself- and that tells a story.

  2. IN Europe king Baldovino was the senior monarch : queen Elizabeth known very well how precedence work

    1. But then she should also have attended the funerals of King Paul I., of Greece, King Frederik IX. of Denmark, KIng Gustaf VI. Adolf os Sweden to name a few examples. All of them where senior to her as they had been longer in the Throne then her at the time of their respecitve deaths.

  3. King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola were much loved by all reports. Their gentle nature and loving relationship gave comfort to many people. Seeing the Empress of Japan at his service reminds me that she also attended Queen Fabiola’s funeral. A remarkable tribute.

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