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State visit of Leopold III the former King of Belgium

A dethroned King is treated to an impressive spectacle as he is given the Freedom of Enniskillen

Travelogue 1956 3 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Overview

An impressive regiment of 120 guards and their regimental band greet the former King of Belgium as he arrives to receive the Freedom of Enniskillen.
Leopold III inspects the guard of honour as their Colonel-in-Chief. Since Leopold I there have been close ties between the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards and the Belgium royal family. These were rekindled when the 5th Dragoon fought to recapture Belgium from the remaining German forces during World War II.

To avoid civil war in the midst of a violent general strike King Leopold III abdicated in favour of his son on 16th July 1951. He was Colonel-in-Chief of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. In these colour rushes by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Leopold is wearing the regiment’s uniform with the sash of the Order of the Garter. On his return from Northern Ireland he visited the Queen and his close friend PM Sir Anthony Eden. Other famous visitors to Enniskillen include Charles Stratton better known as Tom Thumb in 1871.

Genres

Travelogue and Sponsored film

Country

Northern Ireland

Location

Enniskillen

Language

English

Subjects

State visits Leopold III, King of Belgium (1901- ) Freedom of the City Parades and marches Military parades Military bands Military Inspections Street scenes 1950s

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