Belgium's King Albert II abdicates in favor of his son Philippe

Belgium's 79-year-old King Albert II abdicated on Sunday, the country's national day and left the throne to his eldest son Philippe.

Albert II signed the act of abdication at the royal palace after a 20-year reign.

His eldest son and crown prince Philippe will take the oath as the nation's new king later Sunday.

Albert II announced his abdication decision on July 3, citing "age and health" as the reasons for not continuing to carry out his duties. Albert II was sworn in as Belgium's sixth king in 1993, succeeding his brother Baudouin who died at the age of 62, and has become the first Belgian king to voluntarily step down.

Philippe, 53, is a fighter pilot and parachutist with degrees from the world's top universities.