3-021-193 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

King Leopold II. taking the oath before the Belgian Senate and Chamber of Deputies - from a sketch by our special artist, 1865. View of the '...formal reception of the new King, Leopold II., by the municipality and magistrates of [Brussels], and by the Senate and Chamber of Representatives...[on the day after his father's funeral. The king,] dressed in the uniform of a Lieutenant-General of the Belgian army, and wearing the grand cordon of the Order of Leopold...proceeded...to the Legislative Palace...His Majesty's entrance was the signal for a tremendous burst of acclamation. Ascending the dais prepared for him, the King uncovered his head, stretched forth his hand, and in a firm voice spoke the words of the Constitutional oath - "I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people, to maintain the national independence and the integrity of the territory." Enthusiastic applause followed his Majesty's words'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.