Albert II of Belgium

Albert II of Belgium, born on June sixth, nineteen thirty-four, is a distinguished member of the Belgian royal family who served as King of the Belgians from nineteen ninety-three until his abdication in two thousand thirteen. He is the son of King Leopold III and the last surviving child of Queen Astrid, a princess of Sweden. Albert is the younger brother of the late Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte of Luxembourg and King Baudouin, whom he succeeded following Baudouin's passing in nineteen ninety-three.

In his personal life, Albert II married Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria, now known as Queen Paola. Together, they raised three children, with their eldest son, Philippe, currently serving as the King of the Belgians. Albert's family ties extend to his nephew, Henri, the former Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

On July third, two thousand thirteen, King Albert II made a significant announcement during a midday session of the Belgian cabinet, revealing his decision to abdicate the throne for health reasons. This historic event was set to take place on July twenty-first, coinciding with Belgian National Day. His abdication marked him as the second Belgian monarch to step down, following his father, Leopold III, who abdicated in nineteen fifty-one.