New Belgian king and queen greet crowds from royal balcony
- 11 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: Belgium swore in Philippe as its new king on Sunday after his father Albert II abdicated, largely setting aside for one day questions about his ability to bring a divided country together.
Newly sworn in King Philippe and wife Queen Mathilde left the palace in a convertible that paraded to the parliament through festive crowds gathered in readiness for the new king and queen.
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 that he would abdicate after 20 years on the throne.
Albert could be seen mouthing the words "Vive le roi" (Long live the king) at the swearing-in ceremony in parliament.
Fewer than half of people in Flanders believe Philippe will be a good king compared with two thirds in Wallonia, according to an opinion poll.
The 183-year-old country is split across the middle, with many Dutch speakers see
STORY: Belgium swore in Philippe as its new king on Sunday after his father Albert II abdicated, largely setting aside for one day questions about his ability to bring a divided country together.
Newly sworn in King Philippe and wife Queen Mathilde left the palace in a convertible that paraded to the parliament through festive crowds gathered in readiness for the new king and queen.
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 that he would abdicate after 20 years on the throne.
Albert could be seen mouthing the words "Vive le roi" (Long live the king) at the swearing-in ceremony in parliament.
Fewer than half of people in Flanders believe Philippe will be a good king compared with two thirds in Wallonia, according to an opinion poll.
The 183-year-old country is split across the middle, with many Dutch speakers see