By Sara Malm PUBLISHED: 10:05 EST, 3 July 2013 | UPDATED: 03:26 EST, 4 July 2013 The King of Belgium last night said he will abdicate in favour of his son. King Albert, 79, said that because of his ‘age and health’ he will pass the throne to Crown Prince Philippe, 53, this month. However, his decision follows the opening of court proceedings over his illegitimate daughter. Announcement: King Albert II of Belgium is expected to announce his abdication after 20 years on the throne, this afternoon Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said he, too, would make an official announcement immediately after the king's speech, further heightening expectations the 20-year reign of Albert is drawing to a close.
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Expected to abdicate in favour of his son Crown Prince Phillip
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Albert II of Belgium has been on the throne for nearly 20 years
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Crowned in 1993 after his older brother Baudouin died
When Belgium found itself without a government for a record 541 days before the team of @placeholder could take the oath late in 2011, Albert had to be involved in the protracted talks because one of the few real powers a Belgian monarch has is to appoint government brokers.