fme_1004464 - BELGIQUE - ROYAUME DE BELGIQUE - RÈGNE DE LÉOPOLD III Plaquette, John Cockerill

BELGIUM - KINGDOM OF BELGIUM - REIGN OF LEOPOLD III

(17/12/1934-21/9/1944-16/7/1951)

Son of Albert I and grand-nephew of Leopold II, Leopold III became king following the accidental death of his father. In 1936, faced with threats of war, he put an end to the alliance with France and reaffirmed the neutrality of Belgium. In 1940, during the German invasion, he took command of the army but was quickly forced to sign an unconditional surrender. A prisoner of war, he refused any collaboration and ceased all political activity. Taken to Germany then liberated by the Allies, he retired to Switzerland while a regency was entrusted to his brother, Prince Charles (September 21, 1944). Much criticized, he regained the throne in 1950 after a referendum on the resumption of his powers. Welcomed by strikes and demonstrations, he then named Baudoin "royal prince" then abdicated in his favor in July 1951. He died in 1983.