16 juli 1831: Leopold vertrekt vanuit London naar Calais om Belgische troon te aanvaarden

On 16 July Leopold embarked from the London Conference to Calais, proceeding to Brussels where he made his entry on 21 July and took the oath on the constitution. A correspondent of The Times gave a description of the joyful event:









It is unnecessary to describe the various emblems of joy which were used by the different districts to express their feelings towards the new King. From Ostend to Brussels, a distance of 84 miles, every village in a thickly inhabited country had at least one triumphal arch, with suitable inscriptions; and no less than five languages were put into requisition for that purpose. I saw Greek, Latin, Flemish, French and English inscriptions, also to the same import – “Our King – our chosen one – but to us kind and just – bring us peace – O let our dissensions cease, and make our industry thrive. One English expression struck me greatly, it was “Welcome; […]



The moment Leopold made his appearance in the square, several pigeons were let off for Antwerp. The King then came forward, and was handed up the steps by a deputation of the Congress. He addressed some kind words to the Regent, and after a few words from the President, sat down, uncovered, on a seat prepared in front of the throne. The Congress also sat down. The people cheered loudly.



The Regent then stood in front of the King, and read a speech, in which he resigned his powers. The King, who seemed affected, heard him with serious attention. […]



M.C.Vilain XIV then read the whole of the constitution, upon which M. de Nothomb, the youngest of the secretaries of the Congress, stood forward and read a paper, which he presented to the King. Leopold read it seriously over, and then rose from his seat, and advanced to the front. He then slowly, seriously, and distinctly read aloud the oath, in the following terms – “I swear to observe the constitution and the laws of the Belgian people, and to maintain the national independence and the integrity of the territory. A table was then brought, and Leopold signed the constitution. Loud and continued cries of “Vive le Roi! The cannon fired, the trumpets sounded. The President, the Vice-president, and Secretaries of the Congress, signed the document as witnesses.



Leopold, at 3 minutes past 2 o’clock, went up to the throne, and, standing on the steps, read an address to the Congress and people, which was heard throughout with great attention. The loudest applause followed this act. 101 guns were fired off, the bells rung a merry peal, and a hundred trumpets were sounded. The King ascended his throne, and received homage of all his subjects.

http://www.diplobel.org/uk/Belgian%20Ind/conference.html (20051216)