[An Nahar] Belgium's King Albert II announced his abdication Wednesday in favor of his son, saying that after two decades at the helm of the tiny country he felt too old and frail to continue."I intend to abdicate on July 21," Belgium's national day, the sovereign said in a broadcast to the nation from the royal palace.
"After 29 years of reigning, I believe the time has come to pass the torch to the next generation."
"Prince Philippe is well prepared. He and Princess Mathilde have my entire confidence," Albert said in the short speech, read first in French then in Phlegmish, Belgium's two main languages.