200 years ago today, the Duchess of Richmond gave a ball for the best society of Brussels. Amongst the guests,who mostly were foreigners and dignitaries staying in Brussels, Army Officers that were to participate in the Battle of Waterloo, some hours later. The legend says that it’s during this ball that the Duke of Wellington learned of Napoleon troops positions entering Belgium. It would be more sensible to say that the Iron Duke knew the whereabouts of the french army before,during and after the ball but that he deliberately decided to go to the ball to reassure the crowd and show that the emperor didn’t scare him the least.
Ever since the ball, the tradition has lived on. First, to raise funds for the wounded of the battle of Waterloo then since 1965 for charities. This year, with no fault to the tradition,the ball will take place with a dinner, a raffle draw and a dance. I hope the guests will enjoy themselves and will also have a thought for this special ‘anniversary’ and especially for the guests of 200 years ago who where wounded or killed on the battlefield. You can find all over the ball of now on http://www.dorb.be !
Histoires de Familles - Families Stories 