King Albert to abdicate on 21 July

The king pointed to the fact that he was now in his eightieth year and that none of his predecessors had been on the throne at this age: 'I have noticed that my age and health no longer allow me to fill in my job as I should have wished. I would not meet my duties and not honour my view of the royal function if I stuck to my post at all costs. It's a question of elementary respect for the institutions and of respect towards you. Following a twenty year reign I am of the opinion that the moment has come to hand the torch on to the next generation."

King Albert also spoke of his successor, his son Prince Filip. He said he said was well-prepared to succeed him: 'Together with Princess Mathilde he has my full confidence."

King Albert said that with his work on foreign trade missions Prince Filip had shown his efforts for our country.

The king rejoiced in the fact that Belgium could count on an exceptional trump card: its people: “With a people rich in talents and diversity the future of our country is in the best hands” he continued.

The king added that the role of King of the Belgians and its legitimacy meant serving democracy and its citizens: “They are the only legitimate holders of its sovereignty. The royal family must go with the times. On 21 July I will address you and afterwards together with the queen and the new rulers I will attend the 21 July ceremonies. I want to tell you now that it was an honour and a joy to devote a large part of my life to the service of this country and its people. Queen Paola and I will never forget the ties that have grown between the people and us during the course of the years. Thank you for your confidence, tokens of sympathy and support, sometimes even with a little criticism. We always loved you.”