Philippe I is seventh King of the Belgians

King Philippe I has become Belgium's seventh monarch following the abdication of his father. Philippe, 53, took his oath in Belgium's three official languages – Dutch, French and German – two-and-a-half weeks after King Albert, 79, announced he would abdicate after 20 years on the throne. Albert could be seen mouthing "vive le roi" (long live the king) at the swearing-in ceremony in parliament. Before signing a legislative act in the royal palace to step down, Albert thanked his wife, who wiped away tears, and said his son had all the qualities to serve the country well. "My final recommendation to all those gathered here is to work without rest in keeping Belgium together," he said.

Philippe returned to the subject in his address to parliament, saying Belgium's richness lay in its diversity. Outside the palace, the scorching heat caused some in the crowd to faint. Many shouted "Vive le roi!" and waved flags when Philippe and his wife Mathilde arrived on the balcony. Philippe's investiture was tagged on to festivities already planned for July 21, which is Belgium's national day and also marked 20 years of Albert's reign. The day began with prayers in the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula. After the morning ceremony at the royal palace, Philippe took the king's oath before the nation's legislators at the parliament building a short walk across the Royal Park in the heart of the city. Afterwards, King Philippe and new Queen Mathilde greeted the crowds below in a balcony scene at the palace before being joined by Albert and his wife Paola.

(Reuters, AFP)