Albert I was initially the third in the line of succession. He was the second son of Prince Philippe who was the third son of Leopold I, the first king of Belgium. Albert IĪlbert I was king of Belgium from 1909 to 1934, an eventful period in the history of Belgium. He commissioned several buildings and public works with proceeds generated from exploitation of Congo. The revision of the Belgium constitution also took place under Leopold II’s reign. Social changes were also enacted into laws among them the right of workers to form unions and the abolition of the employment record book. Leopold II’s reign in Belgium was marked by major political developments. Millions of the Congolese died under his regime which was also characterized by several human right abuses.

He exploited Congo by collecting ivory and rubber through forced labor from the natives. Leopold II is popular for the discovery and exploration of the Congo Free State. He was Leopold I’s eldest surviving son and therefore had the right to the throne after the death of his father. Leopold II succeeded his father to the throne in 1865. He died on December 10, 1865, and was buried at Royal Vault. Leopold I was an important intermediary in European politics because of his connections and positions. His reign was also marked by economic crisis while politics was polarized between the liberal and the Catholics. His reign was characterized by Dutch’s attempt to take over Belgium through military assaults. He was crowned King of Belgium on July 21, 1831, an event which has become Belgium’s National Holiday. When the Kingdom of Belgium was established in 1831, Leopold I was offered the kingship because of his diplomatic connection with royal families across Europe. Leopold I moved to the UK after the Napoleon defeat where he married Princess Charlotte of Wales positioning himself as a possible future prince consort of the UK. He was a German prince who was born into a ruling family and took a commission in the Imperial Russian Army which fought against the Napoleon Army. Leopold I was the first king of Belgium following independence in 1830. Other kings of Belgium through history include: Kings Of Belgium Through History Leopold I The incumbent king, Philippe, was enthroned on July 21, 2013. Belgium has been served by seven Monarchs since independence in 1830. The King is also expected to act as an arbiter and a symbol of the country’s national unity and independence. He appoints ministers and the prime minister with the approval of the Chamber of Representative. The king of Belgium is the country’s head of state but with limited prerogative. Its bicameral parliament is made up of the Senate which comprises of 50 senators and a Chamber of Representatives which comprise of 150 elected representatives from 11 electoral districts. Belgium is a popular monarchy, federal parliamentary and constitutional democracy.

Reign of kings map