BRUSSELS - Belgians shouted “Long live the king” Sunday to welcome their new monarch to the throne on a sunny national holiday. But several legislators from northern Flanders boycotted King Philippe’s coronation, highlighting the long-standing feud between the nation’s Dutch-speaking Flemings and Francophones - the biggest challenge the new monarch will face.
In his f irst speech as king shortly after his father King Albert II abdicated, Philippe made no attempt to paper over those cracks, instead casting the country’s division between its 6 million Dutch-speaking Flemings and 4.5 million Francophones as one of its strengths.
“The wealth of our nation and our institutions consists in turning our diversity into a strength,” he said after taking his oath of office at the country’s parliament.
The ceremony capped a day of transition, which started when Philippe’s father, the 79-year-old Albert, signed away his rights as the kingdom’s largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy.
Less than two hours later, the nation got its seventh king when Philippe, 53, pledged to abide by Belgium’s laws and constitution.
While crowds of well-wishers cheered the royal family’s every move Sunday, far from everybody in Belgium was happy withthe new king.
One Flemish separatist group, the Flemish Interest party, boycotted the parliamentary ceremony, while the legislature’s biggest party, the N-VA New Flemish Alliance, sent only a limited delegation.
The alliance wants the new king not to have any role in coalition negotiations to form a new government, not be head of the armed forces and not sign any laws.
Briefly, at least, the differences took a back seat Sunday as the new royal couple appeared on the palace’s balcony cheered by some 10,000 well-wishers braving the relentless sun and 86 degrees Fahrenheit heat.
Flanked by huge bouquets of white roses, lilies and gerbera, King Philippe kissed new Queen Mathilde’s hand and got a peck onthe cheek in return.
President Barack Obama sent the new king congratulations.
“The president also sends his heartfelt appreciation to King Albert II for his warmth, service, and leadership as he steps down after nearly 20 years,” the White House statement said. “Belgium is a valued friend of the United States, and the president looks forward to continuing to deepen this bond in the years to come.”
Philippe has prepared for the monarchy as a leader of foreign trade delegations over the past two decades.
“He is a very wise person, a person who is very well prepared,” said EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who attended the ceremony. “He knows the politics of Belgium and Europe very well.”
Front Section, Pages 2 on 07/22/2013