Translation:
Philippe & Mathilde discover the carnival of Binche, that the princess already seems to be acquainted with.
BINCHE The town of the Gille was full of excitement for the arrival of Philippe and Mathilde: a part of the rue Saint-Jacques had been closed to public entrance so that the heros of the day could easily arrive. People eager to see them, had massed around the fences. Children and adults were awaiting the princely couple. At 16h15 they arrived at the backside of maison Basselier.
In her orange outfit, that she had picked out especially well for today, Mathilde was approved by everybody. And certainly by Julien, a 7 year old musketeer, who gave her a bouquet of mimosa, the flower of the carnival. The grandson of the Basselier family – owners of the balcony already had this honour at the royal visit in 1999. Philippe received a branch of mimosa from his pretty little sister, Armelle, 10 months old.
Guided by applause, the princess and her husband went inside. In the offices a delegation of folkloric actors were waiting them. Amid them, Jacques Devigne, alderman of folklore and Gille since 53 years. His prestigious guests quickly put him at ease and he answered their numerous questions about the town, it’s lace and it’s folklore. “Mathilde seemed to know the carnival of Binche well. I think she must’ve come here when she was still a student”, the alderman said.
The princess showed interest in the traditions, the number of participants, the costume of the Gilles and it’s price. Asking this last question, Philippe didn’t know he asked a delicate question. In Binche, people prefer not to talk about money! The alderman simply admitted that it was so expensive he rather didn’t think about it.
When Gauthier Dewinter, president of the Association of the defence of the folklore, offered his wax mask to prince Philippe, the prince held it in front of his face, saying it might come in useful to pass through the streets incognito. But despite of his majestic title, not just anyone can become a Gille!
After this talk, the princely couple went to the balcony, joining many known faces from the political world.