King Philippe begins his royal rule after Sunday's swearing in celebrations Belgium's new monarch King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde saluted the crowds from the palace balcony at the end of an emotional day. Earlier the 53-year-old had been sworn in, taking over from his father King Albert II who decided to abdicate in his favour due to ill health.. Celebrations ended with a spectacular firework display as the old King looked on with his family. Philippe became the country's seventh King after taking his oath in Belgium's three official languages - Dutch, French and German. It was greeted with warm applause. Belgium has a constitutional monarchy in which the king plays a largely ceremonial role. In a country split with tensions between the Dutch-speaking north and the French south, most appeared to overcome their differences for at least for one special day. More about: Belgium, Ceremony, Monarchy