King Albert II celebrates his 90th birthday this Thursday. To mark the occasion, the Palace has released four official photos of the former king.
Albert II and his wife Paola are currently staying at the couple's holiday home in Châteauneuf-Grasse, in the south of France. They will soon return to Belgium to celebrate his birthday in their Belvédère castle residence in Laeken, hosting around 70 guests, including their children and grandchildren.
To mark the former sovereign's birthday, the Royal Palace has published four photos of Albert posing alone or with his son, Philippe (the current King of the Belgians) and his granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth.
Two weeks ago, King Albert II collapsed at his holiday residence in Châteauneuf-Grasse. He received a medical examination but did not need to be hospitalised. Last year, the former King was hospitalised for symptoms of dehydration. However the Palace maintains that he is in good health.
Born on 6 June 1934 in Brussels, Albert II was Belgium’s sixth king, the third child of King Leopold III and Queen Astrid. He was granted the title Prince of Liège at birth.
King Albert II signing the Golden Book of the Belgian Parliament after taking the oath to become King of the Belgians. 9 August 1993. Credit: Belga
In 1959, Albert married Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria, from an Italian princely family. On 15 April 1960, they had a son, current King Philippe. Princess Astrid followed on 5 June 1962 and Prince Laurent on 19 October 1963. Albert II is also the father of Princess Delphine Boël.
After the death of his brother, King Baudouin, in 1993, Albert ascended the throne. He abdicated on 21 July 2013, to be succeeded by his son Philippe. It was the first time in Belgian history that a king abdicated.
On 2 July, Albert II and Queen Paola will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. A festive ceremony will be organised to celebrate their Rosewood wedding anniversary, the Palace has already announced.
