Belgium's new first familyKing Albert of Belgium abdicated earlier today after a 20-year reign, clearing the way for his son, Philippe, to take over as this fractured nation's seventh king later in the day.
The 79-year-old signed away his rights as the kingdom's largely ceremonial ruler at the Royal Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy.
The country then got a new king as Prince Philippe, 53, took the oath before the nation's legislators at the Parliament building a short walk across the Royal Park in the heart of the city.
Final act: King Albert II of Belgium signs the deed of abdication, as Crown Prince Philippe (left) and Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo (right) look on during the ceremony at the Royal Palace
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