Queen Fabiola's apple gag ban

20 July 2010

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Belgium's Queen Fabiola has been warned by royal security not to react to recent death threats when she attends a military parade tomorrow.

Belgium's Queen Fabiola has been warned not to joke about death threats when attending a military parade in Brussels tomorrow (21.07.10).

The warning comes after the elderly royal produced an apple from her handbag at the end of last year's annual event in a comic response to assassination threats, which suggested she would be murdered by a crossbow during the parade.

The royal's security team are said to be not amused by the monarch's gesture last year and have said the new threats - which came in January from what is believed to be the same source - are "no joke".

It contained very clear threats.

Police launched a fresh investigation after Belgian newspaper La Demiere-heure received another letter containing "clear threats" towards the widow.

The postcard featured "the same signature" which appeared on earlier threats sent in May and July last year.

Editor-in-chief Hubert Leclercg said: "It contained very clear threats."

But despite her apple gag last year, the threats are said to be taking their toll on the queen, and she has avoided several recent royal events because she has been "tired" and unwell.

Last year, Fabiola underwent surgery to correct a thyroid problem and ended up spending weeks in hospital as she battled a serious lung infection and throat problems.

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