Belgium's King Albert II abdicates

Guy is nearly 80! I think its a wise decision to abdicate, albeit a little late. The Japanese royals should pay attention since their succession is so completely out of sync.

And with these old dudes clinging on to power for as long as they still can, no wonder Europe is loosing steam!

Elbuda@he was a just a figurehead, so there was no power for him to cling to, so to speak.

Scott:

In the case of Japan, it makes no difference. Succession or not, nothing will change.

What is with the abdication-mania this year? Two monarchs and the Pope! Thank goodness Elizabeth II understands the meaning of lifelong vocation.

Back in the days of yore it used to be the one next in line to the throne would have to kill his father, or ease passing much faster than old age. Just goes to show how far monarchy has changed in civilized countries.

King who?