King Albert steps down, Philippe becomes king – videos Posted on July 23, 2013 by Cinderella Belgium’s King Albert begins farewell tour Discord among Belgians on King Albert’s last function Belgian king greets royal fans ahead of abdication Monarchy spending downsized but perks preserved Belgium’s ‘reticent prince’ to become king King Albert II took his role seriously Belgium’s Albert II makes final king’s speech Philippe to be crowned King of Belgians Albert II abdicates; Philippe sworn in as new King Crowds celebrate swearing-in of Belgium’s new king Belgian King Philippe refuses government’s customary resignation Belgium’s new King and Queen mingle with the crowd