King Albert II  (R) and Prince Philippe  (L) during the Abdication Ceremony at the Royal Palace on Sunday in Brussels. Photo: Getty Images

Belgian King Albert II passed his throne on to his son, Prince Philippe on Sunday, after a 20-year reign. 53-year-old Prince Philippe has become Belgium 7^th King. In a ceremony at the Royal Palace, King Albert II signed a deed of abdication in front of 250 officials. Following the abdication ceremony, Albert expressed his absolute trust in his son and said that Prince Philippe has sufficient capacity to serve the country. The same day, Philippe was sworn in before Belgium Parliament.