REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BRUSSELS - , fueling rumors the 79-year-old will abdicate in favor of his son,
Wednesday's announcement had been rumored for weeks and ends nearly two decades of steady reign over a fractious kingdom, one which has been increasingly torn apart by political strife between northern Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking southern Wallonia. Frail at 79, King Albert will be handing over the throne to his son Philippe, who is 53.
Crown Prince Philippe. Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said he, too, would make an official announcement immediately after the king's speech. It further heightened expectations the 20-year reign of Albert is drawing to a close.
The VRT network published the headline "King Albert announces his abdication tonight," basing its report on sources close to the monarch. The Royal Palace said Albert would first attend a meeting with key government members before the address, to air on all major broadcast networks at 6 pm (1600 GMT; Noon EST). Belgium has had six kings since it came into being in 1830; Albert would be the first to voluntarily abdicate from the throne.
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