BRUSSELS - Prince Philippe of Belgium said Thursday he is "well aware" of the responsibilities of his new role as he looked tense during his first public appearance since the announcement of the abdication of his father Albert II.
Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium speaks to the press ahead of the Probing Vegetation Conference in Antwerp on Thursday. Belgium's King Albert II announced his abdication on Wednesday in favour of his son, saying that after two decades at the helm of the tiny country he felt too old and frail to continue. (AFP photo)
"I want to pay tribute to my father for his 20-year reign. I am well aware of the responsibilities that rest on my shoulders," he said in a brief statement to journalists in Antwerp, adding: "I will continue to make a wholehearted commitment."
The 53-year-old prince looked strained and did not answer journalists' questions about the declaration on Wednesday that his father Albert II would abdicate in his favour on July 21, Belgium's national holiday.
Belgian media speculated over whether the prince would follow the path of his colourful father or the more traditional style of his uncle, the austere King Baudouin, who preceded Albert II.