Who will seizure the crown as the next master of weaponry on the River Firth, with experience both at the battlefront and in bird hunting?
In Neuss, Germany, the annual School Prince Shooting event kicks off at 1:45 PM, marking a significant day in the traditional Schützenfest celebrations. Following the shooting, the federal fanfare corps from Neuss-Furth escorts the crowned school prince to the regiment in an impressive procession.
At 3:45 PM, the regiment assembles at Neusser Weyhe, where the ceremonial front inspection commences at 4:00 PM, led by the incumbent shooting king Winni I. van Erdewyck, alongside the princes and the committee. Afterward, the regiment moves into the festival tent on Kirmesplatz. Here, shooting master Johannes Platen poses the traditional cardinal question to confirm this year's Volks- and Heimatfest. The committee anticipates a positive response, as has been customary.
In the evening, the reigning school prince Alexander Kuschel, Bruderschaftsprinz Jason Hartings, and the royal couple Winni and Gitte van Erdewyck are celebrated and bid farewell following a successful year. Their successors are determined, and the shooting for the Bruderschaftsprinz takes place concurrently.
Beginning in 2025, the grand king's shooting will be held for the last time as part of the King's Honor Evening. From 2026, the king's shooting will take place on Whit Tuesday, while the coronation of the new majesty will occur on the King's Honor Evening of the following year.
The traditional homecoming follows the proclamation of the new majesties, happening around 9:15 PM with a lively small torchlight procession over the Neusser Furth and a subsequent march past on Kaarster Straße.
Shooters, families with children, and curious citizens are all warmly invited to participate in the festivities throughout the day.
While local Schützenfest events such as the Pfingst- und Schützenfest in Grefrath near Neuss typically occur around early June, specific schedule and ceremonial details for the School Prince Shooting event in Neuss are not extensively documented. Any significant changes for the event in 2026 and beyond would typically be announced by local organizers or the relevant shooting clubs closer to the time of the event.
During the festivities, families can spend quality time together while children enjoy the exciting sports events. In the procession from Neusser Weyhe to the festival tent, the school prince often carries a trophy from his sporting achievements, symbolizing the fusion of family values and sports.
