Belgium’s King Albert II has abdicated in a televised address to the nation after nearly 20 years on the throne.
The 79-year-old monarch will step down on July 21, Belgium’s national day, to make way for his eldest son Prince Philippe, 53.
“It’s with emotion that I address every one of you today,” Albert said in the broadcast.
“I’m in my 80th year, an age never before reached by my predecessors. My age and health no longer permit me to exercise my functions as I would wish to.”
The King said he was sure his son Philippe would make an excellent sovereign.
Future king Prince Philippe and his glamorous wife Princess Mathilde.
“Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me, he and Princess Mathilde have my every confidence,” he said. “It’s with serenity and confidence that I share this decision.”
King Albert is the second European monarch to abdicate this year, after the Netherlands’ Queen Beatrix stepped down in April.
Prince Philippe — who has studied at Oxford and Stanford — married his wife Mathilde in 1999. The couple has four children.
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