(3 Jul 2013)
AP TELEVISION
FILE: Brussels, Belgium - 6 December 2011
1. Various of Belgian King Albert swearing in Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo
FILE: Amsterdam, Netherlands - 29 April 2013
2. Various of Belgian Prince Philippe and wife Princess Mathilde on red carpet at dinner for Dutch Queen Beatrix's abdication
3. Photographers taking photos
FILE: Liege, Belgium - 14 December 2011
4. Various of Prince Philippe and wife Princess Mathilde visiting local hospital
STORYLINE:
Belgium's King Albert announced on Wednesday that he will abdicate in favour of Crown Prince Philippe on July 21.
The move had been rumoured for weeks and ends almost two decades of steady reign over a fractious kingdom - one which has been increasingly torn apart by political strife between northern Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking southern Wallonia.
Frail at 79, King Albert will be handing over the throne to his son Philippe, who is 53.
Albert says his "age and health" no longer allow him to carry out his functions as he would want to.
"After a reign of 20 years I believe the moment is here to hand over the torch to the next generation," Albert said in an announcement carried by all major broadcasters.
"Prince Philip is well prepared to succeed me."
Belgium has had six kings since it came into being in 1830; Albert is the first to voluntarily abdicate from the throne.
In August, Albert would mark his second decade on the throne of the kingdom of 10.5 (m) million people.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
