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The new first family: Belgium's King Philippe joins wife Mathilde and their four children on royal balcony after his father abdicates
- King Albert's 20-year reign officially came to an end during a series of ceremonies in Brussels
- The 79-year-old monarch handed the throne over to his son Philippe after he swore the king's oath
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King 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.
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Now King and Queen: King Philippe kisses his wife Queen Mathilde after delivering a speech from the balcony of the Royal Palace to thank the population on the day of his investiture in Brussels, Belgium
Duty calls: Belgium's new king and queen waving at the crowds after an emotional day for the family and for Belgium
Glamorous royal couple: Belgium's Queen Mathilde, center right, and her husband King Philippe, center left
The royal touch: Mathilde greets people in the Parc Royale in Brussels today during a walkabout with her husband
Earlier today: King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde exchange a kiss as they wave to the crowd from the balcony of the Royal Palace
Royal family: The new King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have four children
Extended family: The new King and Queen are joined on the balcony by the former King and Queen and former Queen Fabiola
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 earlier today
Last speech: King Albert II of Belgium addresses the audience during the abdication ceremony inside the Royal Palace
Abdication: King Albert only announced he was stepping down three weeks ago on health grounds, pictured her with son Philippe
Royal Palace: The former king signed his abdication in the grand setting of the Royal Palace
New era: Prince Philippe arrives at the packed church St Gudule with wife Mathilde this morning for a service held to commemorate his corronation
Embrace: The former monarch King Albert embraces his son warmly at the church. King Philippe has taken over after his father decided to step aside on health grounds
Emotional: Queen Paola, left, wipes away a tear at the cathedral as she sits next to her husband and the newly crowned King Philippe (right)
Dignitaries: The cathedral was packed with Belgium officials, but no foreign royalty were present due to the fact King Albert only announced his abdication three weeks ago
Packed: The cathedral was full to bursting with dignitaries and royal family for the momentous occasion
Grand: The new monarch King Philippe of Belgium and his wife Queen Mathilde posed on the steps of the impressive Cathedral of St Michael and Saint Gudula