The biggest secret of Schorsbos, as Schijndel is called during carnival, has finally been revealed. After months of secrecy, the new Highness of the village was allowed to show himself to his people for the first time on Friday evening in a spectacular manner. It is a recognizable story for many other princes and princesses who are also stepping out of the shadows these days. “One lump of discharge. The high word is out.”
The then secret highness of Schorsbos has been waiting for hours for the unveiling this Friday. In a room, just below the stage where he will present himself, he hears the voices of his fellow villagers entering the banquet hall.
Meanwhile, things are also restless on the other side of the wall. Not because of Halloween, but because of the tension among the villagers of the future Highness, which has now become very high. “I’ve been guessing for weeks. I’m so curious who it is,” says one of the people in the room.
Just after nine o’clock the time has finally come. A coffin, in the style of Halloween, is carried by the future council. Not much later, the new highness, Bram d’n Urste, jumps out full of enthusiasm. Together with his adjutant Stefan Kooijmans and ladies-in-waiting Marleen Verhoeven and Daisy de la Cousine.
Finally, after months of secrecy, Bram Voets can openly talk to others about his royal position. “One piece of discharge. The high word is out. It took a few months to wait, but it is so nice how everyone reacts. People are all surprised.”
At the end of May, he was lured to the committee that deals with the new highness with an excuse. There was no need to think long about whether he wanted to take on the honorable position. “When I told my children at home that I was going to be the new prince, the middle one jumped in her seat with excitement.”
This was followed by months of preparation in complete secrecy. “You can’t just walk in everywhere and talk about it, while you are actually very proud. Now that is allowed and that is really fun and nice,” says Bram with a smile on his face.
In any case, he doesn’t have to worry about how to spend his weekends until Carnival. “I’ll go straight to the Prince’s breakfast tomorrow morning. Catch up and get to know new people, such as the court chapel. That will be a lot of fun in the coming months.”
“It is impossible to keep track of how many things are already planned,” the prince says about his overcrowded agenda. “From Prince’s receptions to visits to celebrating clubs. We will be on the road a lot with our council. I will let it all come to me.”
One thing is certain: the brand new Prince is looking forward to it. “Carnival really lives in Schorsbos, so that will be fine. There is a very enthusiastic club that arranges a lot. I am happy to go along with that.”
And it is clear that the carnival is alive. Especially now that the new Highness has been announced. “Everyone wants to go to all the parties every time,” says Bram’s aide. “We’re really looking forward to it. We’re really looking forward to it. But first a beer.”
