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Belgium throws giant party as Philippe ascends throne
Updated On: 22 July, 2013 10:54 AM IST | | AFP
Crown Prince Philippe has ascended to the Belgian throne amid fanfare and festivity after his father Albert 11's abdicaton, and vowed to prevent the breakup of a nation split by language and history
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The new monarch, who at 53 becomes "King of The Belgians", was sworn into office, yesterday by the joint houses of parliament shortly after Albert, aged 79, stepped down citing age and failing health.u00a0
"I swear to abide by the constitution and laws of the Belgian people, to maintain national independence and the integrity of the land," Philippe, dressed in full military uniform, said in the country's three languages -- French, Flemish and German.
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