Prince Philippe to Become Belgian Monarch

Belgium's King Albert II formally abdicates in favour of his son Crown Prince Philippe. Photo by Getty Images

Belgium's King Albert II is formally abdicating in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe at a ceremony in Brussels.

Earlier this month, Albert said he was no longer well enough to carry on.

"Give the future King Philippe and the future Queen Mathilde your active participation and your support," King Albert said in his address on Saturday.

They make a great couple serving our country and they enjoy my full confidence," said the monarch, who will resign on Belgium's national day - after nearly 20 years on the throne.

The monarch, 79, also stressed that his wish was that Belgium - split between the Flemish-speaking north and the French south - remained united.

Philippe, the Oxford- and Stanford-educated prince, will then become the country's seventh king.

He has also trained as an air force pilot.

Belgium has a constitutional monarchy in which the king plays a largely ceremonial role.

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