Belgium's King Albert II 'to announce July 21 abdication'

King Albert II of Belgium records his yearly Christmas message in Brussels on December 21, 2012. The king is set to announce he will abdicate on July 21, the country's national day, in a speech to the nation scheduled for 1700 GMT, Belgian media said. (Belga/AFP/File)

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) – Belgium's King Albert II is set to announce he will abdicate on July 21, the country's national day, in a speech to the nation scheduled for 1700 GMT, Belgian media said.

The palace announced the king would address the nation in a speech to be broadcast live on radio and television, and daily paper Le Soir and national RTBF television said he would announce his abdication for July 21.