At the weekend he became the oldest monarch Belgium has ever had.

On December 10,1865 Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians died just six days before his 75th birthday. Leopold I was King of the Belgians from 21 July 1831 to 10 December 1865.

King Albert II will turn 75 in five days time.

Belgium declared independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Belgian Revolution of 1830.

The next eldest Belgian King is Leopold II who died at the age of 74 years and 251 days. He was King of the Belgians from 17 December 1865 to 17 December 1909.

Albert I died in an accident at the age of 58 years and 10 months.

Albert II's father, Leopold III, abdicated from the throne at the age of 49 years and 7 months. Boudewijn, Albert II's older brother took over until his untimely death at the age of 62.  As Boudewijn was childless his brother Albert ascended the throne as Albert II.

Albert II is currently on holiday in France.  He is expected to be back in Belgium soon, possibly to celebrate his birthday, but certainly in time for the regional and European elections on June 7.

For a list of Belgian monarchs since the first Belgian King, Leopole I, ascended to the throne in 1831  click here.

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