2023-07-03 14:08:02
RoyaltyOn 3 July it is exactly ten years ago that King Albert II (89) announced his abdication. On that day, which is etched in the Belgian collective memory, the king announced his decision via a video message on Belgian radio and television. His son Filip, who was still crown prince at the time, was destined to succeed him.
TDS 3 Jul. 2023
When the Royal Palace announced shortly after noon on Wednesday 3 July 2013 that King Albert would address the population that same evening via a video message, almost everyone knew what time it was. Rumors about a possible abdication had been circulating for some time and King Albert was at that time, at 79 years old, already the oldest monarch in Belgian history.
At 6 p.m., King Albert effectively confirmed the rumors and reported that his age and health no longer allowed him to carry out his duties. On July 21, 2013, not coincidentally on the national holiday, he would pass the torch to his son Filip after just under twenty years of reign. Albert was thus the first Belgian monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne.
LOOK. Word for word: this is how King Albert II announced his abdication
This was King Albert’s integral message:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am deeply moved to address you all today. I have entered my eightieth year, an age not reached by any of my predecessors in the exercise of his office. I find that my age and my health no longer allow me to perform my duties as I would like to do. I would fail to fulfill my duties and honor my conception of the royal office if I continued to hold office at all costs in those circumstances. It is a matter of basic respect for the institutions and for you, dear fellow citizens.”
“After a reign of 20 years, I therefore believe that the time has come to pass on the torch to the next generation. I also note that Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me. Together with Princess Mathilde, he enjoys my full confidence.”
“Over time, and among other things in the context of economic missions abroad, Prince Philippe has shown how much his commitment to our country is close to his heart. And above all, I have learned over the years that our country can count on an extraordinary asset, and that is you dear compatriots. With a population so rich in talents, diversity, generosity and energy, the future of our country is in the best hands. It is therefore with serenity and confidence that I inform you of my intention to abdicate on July 21, 2013, the day of our national holiday, in favor of the heir to the throne, my son Prince Philippe.”
(continue reading below the photo)
© VTM
“Ladies and Gentlemen, throughout my reign a firm conviction in royal office has guided me. The role of the King of the Belgians and his legitimacy is to serve democracy and its citizens. They are the only rightful holders of sovereignty. In that respect, the kingship must move with the times. On July 20, I will address you again, as usual, and then I will attend the ceremonies of July 21 with the Queen and the new monarchs.”
“But I already wish to tell you how much I consider it an honor and a good fortune to have been able to devote a great part of my life to the service of our country and of its people. Queen Paola and myself will never forget the warm ties that have grown between us and the people over the years. We thank you for the confidence you have shown in us, for your expressions of sympathy and support, even with some criticism. But we have always had a warm heart for you.”
“We keep so many memories of countless encounters in happy days, but also in days of severe trial. Of course, the end of my reign does not mean that our ways now diverge. On the contrary! Long live Belgium!”
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