Belgium’s King Albert II abdicates in favour of his son

Belgium’s 79-year-old King Albert II says he will abdicate, a move that will end his 20-year reign.

King Albert said he will step down on July 21, Belgium’s national day, in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe.

Although serving as king is a largely ceremonial post, Albert did play a key role in uniting the country during a one-and-one-half year political crisis that ended in 2011.

King Albert met the Belgian government’s cabinet earlier on Wednesday to inform them of his decision, Belgian state TV reported.

In June of 2011, King Albert swore in Elio Di Rupo as prime minister. At the time, Belgium was facing increased international pressure because its deeply divided French and Dutch-speaking communities were unable to form a coalition government.

King Albert was sworn in as the sixth king of the Belgians on 9 August 1993, following the death of his brother, King Baudouin at the age of 62.

Source: THE TIMES OF EARTH / Agencies