Belgium To Have A New Monarch

Come July 21st, Belgium will have a new monarch – King Philippe.

King Albert II, the current monarch, announced his pending abdication earlier this evening, Belgian time, in a live address to the nation. The King cited health issues and his age as reasons for his decision.

“I am at an age never attained by predecessors. My age and health no longer allow me to carry out my duties as I would like to,” he said, before saying he has every confidence that his eldest son and heir, Prince Philippe, and his wife Mathilde will be successful in their new roles.

July 21st is the country’s National Day, and the abdication of the old King and the taking of the oath of the new King are expected to take place between the traditional festivities.

Read more about the King’s abdication here.

Filed under Belgium
Tagged Albert II of Belgium, Belgian Abdication 2013, King Philippe of the Belgians, Television.