Albert II of Belgium

sixth king of the Belgians

Albert II (French: Albert Félix Humbert Théodore Christian Eugène Marie, Dutch: Albert Felix Humbert Theodoor Christiaan Eugène Marie, German: Albert Felix Humbert Theodor Christian Eugen Maria) (born Stuyvenberg Castle, Brussels, 6 June 1934)[1] was the King of the Belgians and a constitutional monarch. He is the younger son of King Leopold III (1901-1983) and his first wife, Princess Astrid of Sweden (1905-1935). On 21 July 2013, King Albert II abdicated and gave the throne to his son, Philippe of Belgium.

Albert II
King of the Belgians
King Albert II in 2010
Reign9 August 1993 – 21 July 2013
(19 years, 346 days)
PredecessorBaudouin I
SuccessorPhilippe of Belgium
Born (1934-06-06) June 6, 1934 (age 89)
Stuyvenberg Castle, Brussels, Belgium
ConsortPaola Ruffo di Calabria
IssuePhilippe, King of the Belgians Princess Astrid, Archduchess of Austria-Este Prince Laurent Princess Delphine
Full name
see below
FrenchAlbert Félix Humbert Théodore Christian Eugène Marie
FlemishAlbert Felix Humbert Theodoor Christiaan Eugène Marie
GermanAlbert Felix Humbert Theodor Christian Eugen Maria
HouseBelgium
FatherLeopold III
MotherAstrid of Sweden

Marriage and family change

He married, in Brussels, on 2 July 1959, Princess Paola (born 1937).

He and the Queen have three children:

Titles and styles change

  • 6 June 1934 – 7 June 1934: His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Belgium
  • 7 June 1934 – 9 August 1993: His Royal Highness The Prince of Liège
  • 9 August 1993 – 21 July 2013: His Majesty The King of the Belgians
  • 21 July 2013 – present: His Majesty King Albert II of the Belgians

After his announced abdication on 21 July 2013 it was decided that he would be styled as His Majesty King Albert II.[2] This is the same form of address given to his father, Leopold III, after his abdication.

References change

  1. "The Belgian Monachy:Home - Royal Family - King Albert II". Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  2. ""Koning der Belgen" versus "Koning" (Dutch)". Deredactie.be.

Other websites change

Preceded by
Baudouin I
King of the Belgians
Albert II

1993 – 2013
Succeeded by
Philippe