Canada greets Belgian royal family with German flag on state visit

Incorrect flag placed on tree planted by Belgium’s Queen Fabiola in 1977

The Belgian royal family were greeted with a German flag on the first day of their state visit to Canada.

The mix-up occurred when an incorrect flag was placed on a tree planted by Belgium’s Queen Fabiola in the grounds of Rideau Hall, the Ottawa-based official residence of the Canadian monarch, in 1977.

Both flags have black, yellow and red bands, but on Belgium’s flag they are vertical, while Germany’s has them horizontal.

"While we were preparing for the tree-planting ceremony in the grounds of Rideau Hall, it was brought to our attention that there was a mix-up with a small flag," Marie-Ève Létourneau, a spokesperson for Rideau Hall, told CBC.

"We rectified the situation immediately, prior to their majesties' arrival at the tree planting."

The error was spotted by Belgian journalist Wim Dehandschutter, who posted images of the mistake on social media.

Didier Reynders, the Belgian Foreign Minister, said it was the mix-up was not a problem.

“They are the same colours so maybe that's the reason why, and we have very close relations with Germany so it's not a real problem," he told CBC.

Belgian King Philippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde, are being accompanied by ministers, business leaders and representatives from universities during their visit to Canada.

They will visit a number of cities but do not have a scheduled visit with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.