In pictures: Belgium welcomes new King Philippe
- Published
Belgian King Philippe, pictured here with his wife, greeted supporters from the balcony of the Royal Palace in Brussels after being sworn in as the country's seventh monarch.
Philippe took his oath in the country's three official languages - Dutch, French and German - a reminder of the delicate political task that awaits him, trying to mediate between French-speaking Wallonia and Dutch-speaking Flanders.
Members of Parliament applauded after the new king pledged to abide by the laws and constitution of the nation.
After a ceremony topped off by trumpet fanfare and cannon-fire, supporters cheered as the new king and queen were driven the short distance between the parliament building and the royal palace.
King Philippe succeeds his father, Albert - pictured here with his wife, Paola - who had been king for nearly 20 years. He abdicated earlier on Sunday in an emotional ceremony due to old age and poor health.
The ceremony took place amid Belgium's National Day celebrations, so the colours of the flag were on full display - on balloons, banners, and even well-wishers' faces.
But not everyone was celebrating. These Flemish students held aloft a banner reading "Kings belong in fairytales".