Belgium's King Albert Abdicates for Son Philippe

The monarch, 79, resigned on Belgium's national day after nearly 20 years on the throne. Photo by BBC

Belgium's King Albert II has formally abdicated in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe.

In his final address as king on Sunday, the 79-year-old monarch said his country must remain a "source of inspiration" to Europe.

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 resigned 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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