Belgium's King Albert II announces abdication
The King of the Belgians, Albert II, has announced his abdication.
In a national televised address, the 79-year-old monarch said he would step down in favour of his son Crown Prince Philippe, 53, on 21 July, Belgium's national day.
He said his health was no longer good enough to fulfil his duties, and he would step down after nearly 20 years on the throne.
King Albert was sworn in as the sixth king of the Belgians on 9 August 1993.
Matthew Price reports.
04 Jul 2013
- From the section Europe