
King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate —
King Albert II of Belgium announced Wednesday, July 3, that he will abdicate the throne on July 21. His son, Crown Prince Philippe, will succeed him. Here the king attends a tribute to the unknown soldier on November 11, 2012, in Brussels, Belgium.

King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate —
King Albert II shakes hands with Giacinto Berloco, the Vatican's prelate to Belgium and Luxembourg, while he and Queen Paola attend a reception at the Palais de Bruxelles on January 9 in Brussels.

King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate —
Queen Paola and King Albert II in Luxembourg after the wedding of that nation's Prince Guillaume of and Princess Stephanie on October 20, 2012.

King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate —
Queen Paola and King Albert II attend the National Day Parade at Place des Palais on July 21, 2011 in Brussels.

King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate —
King Albert II and Queen Paola pose in front of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on October 24, 2000, in Prague, Czech Republic.


