Belgium's King Albert the Second has abdicated his throne after a 20-year reign, in favor of his son Philippe. In a solemn ceremony at the royal palace on Sunday, the 79-year-old monarch signed the act of abdication in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in the parliamentary democracy.
Belgium King Abdicates in Favor of Son
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Belgium's Prince Philippe takes the oath at the Palace of the Nation to become the country's seventh king after his father Albert II abdicated, July 21, 2013.
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King Albert II of Belgium delivers an abdication speech during a ceremony at the Royal Palace on Belgian National Day in Brussels, July 21, 2013.
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King Albert II delivers an abdication speech during a ceremony at the Royal Palace on Belgian National Day in Brussels, July 21, 2013.
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King Albert II (2nd R) of Belgium, watched by his son Crown Prince Philippe (L) and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo (R), signs an act of abdication during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels, July 21, 2013.