Belgium - King Albert abdicates
July 7, 2013, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BELGIUM'S King Albert II announced his abdication at age 79 on Wednesday in favor of his 53-year-old son, saying that after two decades at the helm of the tiny country he felt too old to continue.
"I intend to abdicate on July 21," Belgium's national day, the sovereign said in a broadcast to the nation from the royal palace. "After 29 years of reigning, I believe the time has come to pass the torch to the next generation," he said.
"Prince Philippe is well prepared. He and Princess Mathilde have my entire confidence," Albert said.
"I am at an age never attained by predecessors," he added. "My age and my health do not allow me to exercise my duties as I would like."
"I intend to abdicate on July 21," Belgium's national day, the sovereign said in a broadcast to the nation from the royal palace. "After 29 years of reigning, I believe the time has come to pass the torch to the next generation," he said.
"Prince Philippe is well prepared. He and Princess Mathilde have my entire confidence," Albert said.
"I am at an age never attained by predecessors," he added. "My age and my health do not allow me to exercise my duties as I would like."
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
