Belgium: King Albert makes way for son Philippe
None
Belgium's King Albert has abdicated after a 20-year reign, with son Philippe ready to take the oath as the nation's seventh king later in the day. At the royal palace on Sunday, the 79-year-old Albert signed away his rights as the kingdom's largely ceremonial ruler in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy.
Less than two hours later, Belgium will get a new king when Philippe, 53, takes the oath before the nation's legislators at the parliament building a short walk across the Royal Park in the heart of the city. (AP)
