Prince Philippe is sworn in as king of Belgium on Sunday in Brussels . Throughout his 20-year reign , Albert `` has never ceased to be a staunch defender of the values that are the basis of the European construction , '' Barroso said . His father , Leopold II , stepped down an hour earlier . Belgium also gained a queen , Philippe 's sister Louise .
Prince Philippe is sworn in as king of Belgium on Sunday in Brussels . His father , Leopold II , stepped down an hour earlier . Belgium also gained a queen , Philippe 's sister Louise .