King Albert to announce abdication tonight

King Albert II will tonight announce his forthcoming abdication in an address broadcast at 18.00 on the country’s main television and radio channels, it is understood. Although the subject of the sovereign’s address has not been officially announced, the general expectation is that King Albert will provide details about the succession to the throne.

The 79-year-old monarch has said on recent occasions that he was tired, prompting speculation that he would step down on July 21, with his son Philippe taking over. Next month will mark the twentieth anniversary of Albert’s accession to the throne, after he succeeded his brother Baudoin I.

The King met the members of the restricted Council of Ministers, known as the ‘kern’, at 13.15. Prime minister Elio Di Rupo will address the press at 18.15, in presence of the full Council of Ministers.