According to AFP:
Retirement is not traditionally on the cards for queens, kings or popes, but a string of abdications in recent months, some unprecedented, show many are choosing to step aside instead of labouring on until death.
Belgian King Albert, 79, became the latest…, a little over a week after the emir of Qatar Hamad ben Khalifa Al Thani stepped down in favour of his son — a first for an Arab country.
…a decision by Pope Benedict XVI to step down…stunned the world. He was the first to resign the papacy — an elected monarchy — in some 600 years.
To read the entire article on AFP, please click here.
Funeral of Pope John Paul II. He reigned until his death in 2005.
Nobility.org Editorial comment: —
While even famous kings like Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, have abdicated in the past and turned over their realm to younger hands, we believe firmly that such abdications should be the exception, not the rule. Normally, a monarch should reign until death. This sacrifice for the common good brings enormous stability to a country.
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Also of interest:
King Albert II of Belgium announces he will abdicate on July 21
Over a quarter of Russians would welcome new monarchy – Russia Today
MPs will refuse to swear oath of allegiance to new king – Dutch News
Is it a resignation or an abdication? – CNN
