The former Crown Prince Philippe is now the seventh King of Belgium after the abdication of his father, Albert II. Philippe took his oath in German, French and Dutch which the country considers as its three official languages. Prince Philippe was sworn into kingship together on the celebration of Belgium’s national day which made the occasion even more meaningful and historical. In his oath, Philippe swore to uphold the laws of Belgium and to preserve the sovereignty that the country is enjoying.
Now, at the age of 53, the newly crowned King faces a number of responsibilities. Although critics often say that Philippe lacks the charisma that a king should have, Albert II strongly believes that his son is ready to take the job head on.
From prince to king
King Philippe is the eldest child of Albert II who ruled Belgium as King for 20 long years. Upon reaching the age of 79, Albert II decided to give the throne to Philippe primarily due to health concerns. According to Albert II, he is no longer capable of fulfilling his duties as king given his poor health condition and old age.
Philippe was no ordinary prince. He went to top universities like Oxford and Stanford. Philippe is also a well trained parachutist and a fighter pilot. While waiting for his time to reign, Philippe largely contributed to Belgium’s growth by leading trade missions to boost businesses in the country. He has been actively searching for opportunities around the world to contribute to Belgium’s economy and business sector.
A source of inspiration
Before signing the legislative act of abdication, Albert II gave a short speech. The 79-year old King stressed that the country must continue to become a source of inspiration to Europe. He also wished the Belgian community to remain united at all cost. It is very well established that one of the greatest accomplishments of Albert II is the unification of the Dutch speaking north and the French-speaking south.
Taking the oath in three languages
Philippe took his oath in three languages mainly German, Dutch and French, an indication of the rather fragile political climate awaiting the newly crowned king. Even though the peace between the French-speaking Wallonia and Dutch-speaking Flanders remain intact and unbroken, mediation and constant negotiation is still necessary.
Boycott by separatists
Supporters gathered and waited by the balcony of the royal palace to greet the new King and Queen. Flags were waived and cheers could be heard across the streets.
However, not all Belgians celebrated the momentous occasion. Vlaams Belang party, a far-right separatist group instigated a boycott at the oath-taking ceremony. On the other hand, Jan Jambom, head of the N-VA party stated that the ceremony left him cold. The N-VA party is the group that aims to install a republican government and wants the Dutch-speaking Flanders free of the Belgian monarchy.
The royal title
On Monday, Belgium will have two kings and three queens. There’s the ruling King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde, followed by the former King Albert II and his wife, Queen Paola, as well as the deceased King Baudouin’s widow Queen Fabiola. In a nation that considers titles very important, Belgian kings and queens retain their title while they are still alive.
Photo Credit: Philippe, King of the Belgians
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