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 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.
Mark Renders/Getty Images
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 —
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.
Mark Renders/Getty Images
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 in Luxembourg after the wedding of that nation's Prince Guillaume of and Princess Stephanie on October 20, 2012.
Mark Renders/Getty Images
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 —
Queen Paola and King Albert II attend the National Day Parade at Place des Palais on July 21, 2011 in Brussels.
Mark Renders/Getty Images
King Albert II and Queen Paola pose in front of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on October 24, 2000, in Prague, Czech Republic.
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.
Mark Renders/Getty Images
King Albert II of Belgium to abdicate

Story highlights

King Albert II's abdication will be effective on July 21

His son Crown Prince Philippe will succeed him

European Commission president praises King Albert in a statement

CNN  — 

King Albert II of Belgium is abdicating his throne, effective July 21, he announced Wednesday.

His son Crown Prince Philippe will succeed him, he said in a nationally televised address.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso issued a statement about the move.

“It is with deep emotion that I hear the announcement of the abdication of His Majesty King Albert II. On behalf of the European Commission and on my own behalf, I wish to express to him my sincere thanks for his tireless efforts in the service of Belgium and Europe,” the statement read.

Throughout his 20-year reign, Albert “has never ceased to be a staunch defender of the values that are the basis of the European construction,” the statement said.

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