Canada – Royal Belgian Couple Received On State Visit ... With German Flag (Video)

The Belgian Royal couple of King Filip and Queen Mathilde started a five-day state visit of Canada, the first in 40 years, to highlight the excellent cooperation between Canada and the European Union and the long-term commitment of the military NATO alliance between the two nations.

Canadian Governor-General Ms. Julie Payette greeted the royal couple at Rideau Hall.

Also planned were commemorations to thank Canada for their help to Europe during both world wars, when battles were fought in Belgium.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Verwisselt ze Duits met Nederlands? Canadese gouverneur-generaal <a href="https://twitter.com/GGJuliePayette?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GGJuliePayette</a> heet “König” en “Königin” “willkommen in Canada”. Daarna ook “bienvenue” in Frans. Geen “welkom” in Nederlands. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelCan2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelCan2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/g1AoBAXnYE">pic.twitter.com/g1AoBAXnYE</a></p>&mdash; [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDehandschutter/status/973210729510825985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>

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It was, therefore, a sorry sight to see a German flag welcoming the Belgian royals. The Canadians admitted to the error and quickly rectified it.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="nl" dir="ltr">[VIDEO] Oeps, foutje. Canadezen signaleren boom die koningin Fabiola in 1977 heeft geplant in Ottawa tijdens eerste Belgisch staatsbezoek met Duits(!) vlagje. Nadat Belgische media hen daar attent op maken, grijpen ze in. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelCan2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelCan2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/fHUqw7six0">pic.twitter.com/fHUqw7six0</a></p>&mdash; [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDehandschutter/status/973214763403698178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>

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"While we were preparing for the tree planting ceremony on the grounds of Rideau Hall, it was brought to our attention that there was a mix up with a small flag that was used to help identify the tree planted by Her Majesty Queen Fabiola in 1977," Canadian diplomatic planner Ms. Marie-Eve Letourneau stated.

Of course, all Belgian press started their front pages with that picture today.

King Filip, being a seasoned visitor and having seen his share of diplomatic cockups, didn’t make a fuss and quickly started speeching, stating his profound thanks for Canada's involvement in the liberation of Belgium during the First World War: "We owe our freedom to the military men who came to our country 100 years ago to end the First World War."

"We in Belgium, we don't forget that."

Source:

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20180312_03404615