King Albert Hosts Reception for Prime Ministers

  July 11, 2013 at 6:22 am by

King Albert II yesterday hosted a reception at the Royal Palace of Laeken for the Prime Ministers who have served during his reign.

Jean-Luc Dehaene, Guy Verhofstadt, Yves Leterme, Herman Van Rompuy and Elio Di Rupo joined the King, Queen Paola, Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde for apéritifs in the palace’s rotunda before heading inside for a quick photo session and a lunch.

View the full gallery at Zimbio

As he arrived to the palace, Mr Leterme – who was Prime Minister between March and October 2008, and November 2009 and December 2011 – spoke briefly with reporters, stating that King Albert had chosen the right time to step down. He also praised the King’s actions during the 2008 financial crisis.

Before his official abdication on July 21st – Belgium’s National Day – a series of events have been planned for the King and Queen. Two more receptions will take place, the King will be presented with a gift from the House and the Senate, and Albert and Paola will be visiting Ghent, Eupen and Liège next week.

Visit the special Abdication and Installation forum at TRF for all the details of upcoming events, and the main event itself.

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