Sunday 21 July 2013

PRINCE PHILIPPE SWORN IN AS BEGIUM'S NEW KING AS FATHER,KING ALBERT II ABDICATES

Prince Philippe, 53, was sworn in as the new Belgian king this morning after the abdication of his father, Albert II who reigned for 20 years. His mother,the queen shed tears of joy.

The former monarch, aged 79, embraced his son warmly during the ceremony after handing the throne over to Philippe after he swore the king's oath.King Albert II stepped aside on health grounds.

It was an emotional moment for his wife Queen Paola who wiped away a tear as she sat next to the new king's wife Mathilde, watching her husband abdicate and handing over the throne to their son. 

The ceremony took place today at the impressive Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula.

The monarchy is a largely ceremonial position and the new king is expected to avoid politics as his father had done before him.

God bless the king!

Continue to see pictures at the event.
Embrace: The former monarch King Albert embraces his son warmly at the church. King Philippe has taken over after his father decided to step aside on health grounds
Abdication: King Albert only announced he was stepping down three weeks ago on health grounds
Emotional: Queen Paola, left, wipes away a tear at the cathedral as she sits next to her husband and the newly crowned King Philippe (right)





Royal Palace: The former king signed his abdication in the grand setting of the Royal Palace

1 comment:

  1. Wow the event is so beautiful and peaceful

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