By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg & Baron Henri Estramant.
Probably the largest reconstruction of the I French Empire period ever arranged took place at Waterloo in Belgium between 18 and 21 June 2015 with the reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo, which two hundreds years ago sealed the fate of Napoléon I and his French Empire over Europe.
Belgian authorities served as hosts to the high-level protocolary functions which marked another kind of European reconciliation in a spirit of unity and peace. In the words of Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel “more than a battle, I would like to celebrate reconciliation” in an allocution he delivered partially in French, Dutch and English.
“Waterloo represents a process wherein enemy forces fiercely combated one another, and created a tragic shock. And it is this rather violent shock, which later allows for a firmer unity and a more solid harmony. This is the reality of the European project”, continued Prime Minister Charles Michel.
The heads of state of the neighbouring countries as well as other high dignitaries partook at the commemoration. Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Netherlands, Their Royal Highnesses The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward of the United Kingdom (a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II) who also serves as Lieutenant-Colonel of the “Royal Scots Grey” regiment, which historically partook in the battle back on 18 June 1815.
France was represented by its ambassador to Belgium, M Bernard Valero, Germany, heir of victorious Prussia, by Ambassador Dr. Eckart Cuntz and the UK by Ambassador Alison Rose. Netherlands Ambassador Henne Schuwer accompanied the Dutch royal couple.
During his intervention the Dutch First Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, Rule of Law and Charter of Fundamental Rights, Frans Timmermans, stated “our destiny is bringing together the peoples of Europe”.
Wreaths were laid at a monument commemorating the war, and honouring the approximately 15,000 men who lost their lives at Waterloo. Thereafter a rather symbolic handshake was pictured for immortality amongst The Honorable Marquess of Douro, Arthur Wellesley (heir of His Grace the IX Duke of Wellington, Prince of Waterloo, Duke de Ciudad Rodrigo and HRH Princess Antonia of Prussia, coincidentally a great-granddaughter of the last German Kaiser), His Serene Highness Fürst Nikolaus Blücher von Wahlstatt (descendant of Field Marshall Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher) and His Imperial Highness The Prince Napoléon, Jean-Christophe (Head of France’s former Imperial House but not a direct descendant of Napoléon I but of his brother, Jérôme, King of Westphalia).
The protocolary festivities were closed with fifteen canon salutes, and a dinner hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Belgians.
For more information
Waterloo 2015: www.waterloo2015.org/en
Royal Scots Grey: http://royalscotsgrey.com/0/
