3-008-957 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

King Leopold's public entry into Brussels…arrival of His Majesty at the palace - from a sketch by Mr. Hendrikx, 1862. 'The population...thronged the roads and streets appointed for the Royal route...The King, though somewhat pale, looked remarkably well and robust, considering the length and nature of his painful malady. He seemed at times almost overcome by the affectionate manifestations of welcome which greeted him on all sides...The whole scene was one of surpassing brilliancy, the houses and trees being profusely ornamented with the national colours...Salvoes of artillery, and the various bands of the Civic Guards and of about eighty provincial societies playing the national airs, contributed to the glory and excitement of the interesting spectacle...Never has there been such a warm and emphatic demonstration of loyalty and devotion in the country since Leopold entered Brussels as the first Sovereign of Belgium, chosen by the spontaneous will of the people to govern them, after they had gloriously achieved their independence from Holland. In the foreground...stands a tree of Liberty planted there by the citizens after the victory of September, 1830. On the extreme left stands the Palais Ducal'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.