BRUSSELS—Belgium turns a page of history Sunday, ushering in its seventh king, Philippe, on a day of celebrations against a backdrop of continuing concern over the future of a divided nation. At noon (1000 GMT), Philippe, 53, dressed in full military uniform, will take his oath of office in the country's three official languages -- French, Flemish and German -- before Parliament. He takes over from his 79-year-old father Albert II, who formally abdicates at 0830 GMT, after 20 years on the throne, before an invited audience of some 250 dignitaries -- none of them foreign royals -- at the palace. The new sovereign will be seated on a throne to become king but will have no cr...
Keep on reading: Divided Belgium ushers in a new king
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