Belgium’s new king: Philippe takes the throne

King Philippe of Belgium kisses the hand of his wife, Queen Mathilde, on the balcony of the royal palace in Brussels. (Nicolas Lambert / AFP/Getty Images)

July 21, 2013 9:33 AM PT

King Philippe, 53, became Belgium’s seventh monarch Sunday after his father, Albert, who has been struggling with health issues, abdicated. The new king was sworn in on a national holiday.

King Philippe of Belgium, left, and his wife, Queen Mathilde, with his parents, King Albert II and Queen Paola. (Eric Lalmand / AFP/ Getty Images)

King Philippe of Belgium talks with Joelle Milquet, the country’s Vice prime minister and interior minister, during a parade celebrating the Philippe’s oath as Belgium’s seventh monarch. (Eric Lalmand / AFP / Getty Images)

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Belgium’s new king: Philippe takes the throne

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