Seventy-four years ago today, on July 16, 1951 (June 13, 1951 in the lunar calendar), Baudouin I, the fifth king of Belgium, acceded to the throne. Baudouin I sworn in in Brussels July 16, 1951 King Leopold III today gave the crown and rule of Belgium to his 20-year-old son Baudouin in a grand royal ceremony. The speeches of the king and his son were full of passion. Leopold tried his best to keep his voice steady and explained to the guests the reason for the king's abdication: to maintain harmony throughout the country. Baudouin burst into tears and was speechless. His inaugural speech had to stop halfway through. His father came to him and hugged him affectionately. Supporters of the king gathered outside the palace as they chanted "Vive Leopold!" Prime Minister Joseph Folien expressed his support for the new king.