If somebody might believe that all royal protocol, tradition and habits are condemned to museums..... please find a picture how we maintain this in The Netherlands....August 13, 2008 U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, James B. Culbertson, presented his credentials to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.
Since our present Queen Beatrix became the monarch (1980) she let revive the old court habits in optima forma. (Don't be afraid, we do have a democracy over here ;-)) As a horse lover, she reorganized and increased the Royal Stables, into the mid 19th century glance.
She also reestablished the habit that new ambassadors, who should present their credentials to the Queen according to the international protocol, are fetched by a royal carriage from their embassies , and brought to her palace in the center of The Hague.
Above you see a picture of that event of the US-ambassador last year.
According to experts, (like Hans Brabenetz in Vienna), our Royal Stables are the best preserved in its kind in the world - even better than the Royal Mews in London, or the equerries in Kopenhagen or Stockholm)
See: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/content.jsp?objectid=4515
The famous "Gouden Koets" (Golden carriage) is still in use, once a year during the traditional opening of the parliament (always in September), equipped by 8 horses (alternately by 8 Friesians or 8 black warmbloods)
I am glad your Queen is keeping the traditions alive. It is a beautiful thing to see, very much how one would wish to picture a Queen.
AntwortenLöschenRomy
As you know Atjan, I had had the pleasure to sit next to Her Majesty the Queen during one of our performances in Rotterdam two years ago. She is truly a horse person (I say that with most respect to her). She knew all the High School Movements. It was a great honor for me.
AntwortenLöschenWhat a beautiful tradition!
AntwortenLöschenDid you know that the Queen's sister, Princess Irene, once received riding lessons in Vienna ?!? Old times revived.... ;-)
AntwortenLöschenI didn't know :-o
AntwortenLöschenAtjan,
AntwortenLöschenI would imagine that H.M. Queen Beatrix still rides? What types of horses does she have for her personal use?
Romy
Yes, as far as I know she is still riding. On regular base she is seen on the beach of the Northsea-coast. She is always riding a warmblood, recently the grey "Benito".
AntwortenLöschenDuring these rides she is often accompanied by her royal stablemaster himself, Colonel Bert Wassenaar. He is also her adjutant.
During the yearly parade towards the formal opening session of the parliament (see above), the stablemaster uses to ride this grey horse in grand-gala uniform (in style similar to the red gala-uniform of the SRS, but with tails), opening the parade. ( I will add a picture)
Atjan,
AntwortenLöschenI think I would very much like to visit your country. When is the yearly parade and opening of Parliament? It would be great to plan a trip including the parade.
Kisses
Romy
Traditionally it is the 3rd Tuesday of September in The Hague. Every year. So this year it will be the 15th of September
AntwortenLöschenAre you sure, that they will do that Atjan? Because of the attack we had on Queens day!
AntwortenLöschenI thought, they have said not to go public for a while? Even when it was a 1 men action, but still, there are more loony's in the world! I really don't have a clue, i am just guessing !
Hugs,
Thamar
I am sure that the parade and opening of the parliament will take place this year. Perhaps with higher security (the glass of the "Gouden Koets" was already bullet proof!) but nevertheless.
AntwortenLöschenThat was a horrible thing to happen, but as Thamar says, it was only one man's insanity. I truly hope that all the traditions of your amazingly beautiful country go on. To stop any of them, would be to let the loonies win.
AntwortenLöschenHey, are all the people of your country as good looking as Colonel Bert Wassenaar?
;-))))
Kisses
Romy
Romy,
AntwortenLöschenLOL, :-)))) we have good looking man, but as I am Dutch, my boyfriends were always from another country, don't ask why! But visit Holland one day, than you can look for yourself! But also in Holland you find twin brothers of Shrek :-)))))))
Problem with good looking man, there are never single :-( or they have more girlfriends LOL
Thamar,
AntwortenLöschenI have not dated Shrek yet, but a few blind dates set up by friends came close! That is when the fake "emergency" phone call from a friend comes in to help get me out of there. Have never gone out with a Dutch man, maybe I should try it!!
Kisses
Romy
Hello Ladies..... quite off-topic now...aren't we? ;-))))))))))
AntwortenLöschen
AntwortenLöschenI guess, maybe, we have hijacked the post, just a little bit! But, Atjan, if you put up pictures of Colonel Bert Wassenaar, (very cute ;-)))))) ) how can we help it? Especially when he is a horseman? LOL :-D
Kisses,
Romy
hmmmm..........
AntwortenLöscheninteresting discussion :-)
AntwortenLöschen:-))))))))) !!!! ROFLMAO !!!
Kisses
Romy