Prince Philippe sworn in as the Seventh king of Belgium

Prince Philippe was sworn-in as the new king of Belgium on 21 July 2013 after the abdication of his father Albert II due to his age and health.

53 Years old Philippe took his oath in Belgium's three official languages - Dutch, French and German. The sworn in ceremony came after two-and-a-half weeks of abdication of 79 years old King Albert after being 20 years on the throne.

It is important here to note that Philippe is the seventh king of the 183-year-old country which is split across the middle. Belgium has a constitutional monarchy in which the king plays a mostly ceremonial role.

Some Facts about Philippe

• From year 1978 to 1981, King Philippe was educated at the Belgian Royal Military Academy in the 118th Promotion Toutes Armes.
• On 6 August 1993, by Government decision, Prince Philippe was appointed Honorary Chairman of the Belgian Foreign Trade Board (BFTB) succeeding his father, who had been Honorary Chairman of the BFTB since 1962.
• On 3 May 2003, Prince Philippe was appointed Honorary chairman of the board of the Foreign Trade Agency, replacing the BFTB.
• On 26 September 1980, he was appointed second lieutenant and took the officer's oath.
• He continued his education at Trinity College, Oxford and he attended graduate school at Stanford University, California, where he graduated in 1985 with an MA degree in Political Science.