BELGIUM The first investiture 2000The first investiture to be held in Belgium took place in
Waterloo on the 16th of December 2000, the Grand
Master’s 80th birthday. The Grand Prior of Belgium,
Chev. William Dougan, Lord of Landkey G.C.St.S.,
hosted an excellent event including the investiture of
some 18 postulants from both Belgium and The
Netherlands followed by the reception in the church
Hall and an evening banquet in one of the area’s
premier restaurants. Joining the Grand Master were
Pavlo V`Yalov, G.C.C.St.S., Grand Prior of the Ukraine
and his lady wife Nadia G.C.St.S.2001 - 2 nd Investiture in Oosterwijk, BelgiumHeld on 14th December 2001 in the Church of
Oosterwijk near Antwerp, followed by a Gala Dinner in
a romantic Hotel deep in the woods with a dancing
group with splendid Baroque and ‘Biedermaier’
dresses performing dances from these times. A delight
that could not possibly be surpassed. Because of the
remote, mysterious place, police protection had to be
asked for any case, and insurance police contracted. A
recommended procedure for other events of this
significance. A special attention had been offered to
the most senior members of the Order, namely a
dozen voluntary chauffeurs with each having a super
limousine (Rolls-Royce-ish and such) at their
disposition, who drove them throughout the whole
weekend wherever they wanted or needed to be.
Some rather wealthy members of the Priory put their
private cars at risk for this eccentric stunt. The next day
a Western riding and Trick riding Show was staged at
the Riding School of the Grand Prior, William John
Dougan, Lord of Landkey. It took the breath away from
many spectators, Chevaliers mainly (in the most literal
sense of the word), when seeing what can be done on,
under or at the side of a horse, sitting right of reversed
in a saddle, alone or with several riders together.Belgium 2002The third official Investiture 2002 in Belgium. The
group photo of the Grand Priory of Benelux.Belgium 2002 – 3 rd (private) InvestitureThe next (private) Investiture (of a Banker of
Luxemburg) took place in the luxurious Hotel Casino in
Mondorf-les Bains, Luxemburg, 17th December 2002,
on his invitation, because being prevented to
participate in Averbode, three days earlier. A
wonderful new experience completes with all the
formalities and ceremonial conventions respected,
unseen till that moment in our Order. A costly
enterprise, indeed.BELGIUM 2002. The 3 rd investitureThe Third (3rd) Belgium Investiture ceremony took
place in the beautiful Baroque church built in 1664
within the grounds of the historic Averbode Abbey,
itself founded by the Remonstrant Order in 1164. In
attendance for the Investiture ceremony, were: Grand
Magistry: HSH. Prince Juliusz Nowina-Sokolnicki
Grand Master, the Grand Secretary the Countess Avril
Nowina-Sokolnicki, Princess Tatiana Sapieha-
Kodenska. Grand Priors:- Belgium - Chevalier William John Dougan of
Landkey - Ukraine - Chevalier Pavlo V'yalov
- Holland - Chevalier Leo Van Olphen
- Germany - Chevalier Henry Neumüller.
Chancellors: Ukraine - Chevalier Oleksandr Shnypko,
Belgium - Chevalier Willy Doms, England Chevalier
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Whitely. Also present was a
delegation of the Knights Temple, from Belgium. The
Grand Prior of Benelux Chevalier William John Dougan
of Landkey presenting Princess Tatjana with a
certificate remembering this special moment. When
the Investiture ceremony was completed, Princess
Tatiana Sapieha-Kodenska was appointed Patroness.BELGIUM