Albert II of Belgium

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Albert II of Belgium

Role / Field:

Reigning King of the Belgians from 1993 to 2013, a constitutional monarch.

Born:

1934-06-06

Century / Era:

1934s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Albert II (born 6 June 1934) is a member of the Belgian royal family who reigned as King of the Belgians from 1993 until his abdication in 2013. Albert II is the son of King Leopold III and the last living child of Queen Astrid, born a princess of Sweden. He is the younger brother of the late Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte of Luxembourg and King Baudouin, whom he succeeded following Baudouin's death in 1993. He married Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria (now Queen Paola), with whom he had three children. Albert's eldest son, Philippe, is the current King of the Belgians.

Career & Major Achievements

On 3 July 2013, King Albert II attended a midday session of the Belgian cabinet. He then announced that, on 21 July, Belgian National Day, he would abdicate the throne for health reasons. He was succeeded by his son Philippe on 21 July 2013. In doing so, he was also the second Belgian monarch to abdicate, following his father, Leopold III, who abdicated in 1951. His nephew is former Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Albert was born at the Château of Stuyvenberg in Laeken, northern Brussels, as the second son and youngest child of King Leopold III and his first wife, Princess Astrid of Sweden. He was second in line to the throne at birth, and was given the title Prince of Liège. When Albert was one year old, Queen Astrid died in Switzerland in a car accident on 29 August 1935, in which King Leopold, who was driving the vehicle, was lightly injured. The King remarried to Mary Lilian Baels (later became Princess of Réthy) in 1941. The couple produced three children: Prince Alexandre, Princess Marie-Christine and Princess Marie-Esméralda (who is also Albert's goddaughter).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1934 (1934-06-06): Birth of Albert II of Belgium — Reigning King of the Belgians from 1993 to 2013, a constitutional monarch.
2. 1935: 1935 Milestone — When Albert was one year old, Queen Astrid died in Switzerland in a car accident on 29 August 1935, in which King Leopold, who was driving the vehicle, was lightly injured.
3. 1941: 1941 Milestone — The King remarried to Mary Lilian Baels (later became Princess of Réthy) in 1941.
4. 1951: 1951 Milestone — In doing so, he was also the second Belgian monarch to abdicate, following his father, Leopold III, who abdicated in 1951.
5. 1993: 1993 Milestone — He is the younger brother of the late Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte of Luxembourg and King Baudouin, whom he succeeded following Baudouin's death in 1993.
6. 2013: 2013 Milestone — On 3 July 2013, King Albert II attended a midday session of the Belgian cabinet.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Albert II of Belgium

True or False: “Did Albert II abdicate the throne because he was forced by legal action regarding his daughter's paternity?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He announced his abdication for health reasons; while the Boël case occurred concurrently and influenced timing, it was not the direct cause stated.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Aboul-Qacem Echebbi — Contemporary (Died in 1934) (1934): Influential Tunisian poet, celebrated for his passionate verses and nationalistic spirit.
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• Ahmed Rushdi — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): A legendary Pakistani playback singer, known as the 'Magician of Voice'.
• Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Iranian Shia cleric and politician; served as President of Iran from 1989 to 1997.
• A. N. Sherwin-White — Historical peer (Died in 1993) (1993): British academic and ancient historian, specializing in Roman law and society.
• Adam Ondra — Historical peer (Born in 1993) (1993): Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead, bouldering, and competition.
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• 1934 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1934
• June 6 (06-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Albert II of Belgium