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Prince Charles of Belgium
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Prince Charles (Charles Théodore Henri Antoine Meinrad), Count of Flanders, Prince of Belgium (October 10, 1903—June 1, 1983), was the second son of Albert I, King of the Belgians, and Queen Elizabeth. He reigned in lieu of his older brother Leopold III from 1944 until 1950 as Prince Regent until Leopold could return to the throne. Shortly after however, Leopold abdicated in favour of his Heir Apparent, his son Baudouin I.
Prince Charles was appointed Regent when the German occupation ended in 1944. The role of his brother Leopold III during World War II as well as his marriage to Mary Lilian Baels was questioned and he became too controversial to remain on the throne.
Charles's regency was dominated by the events resulting from the German occupation and the controversy around Léopold III. This period had an important impact on events in later decades. During his regency important economic and political decisions were taken.
Belgium managed to jump start its national economy with the aid of American assistance provided under the Marshall plan. The building sector was stimulated by government grants to repair war damaged buildings and to build social housing. The financial sector was sanitized through the "Operation Gutt" whereby illegally gained profits during the war were targeted. A social welfare system was introduced and a system of governing labour relations was set up.
More importantly, women obtained the right to vote in parliamentary elections in 1948.
Furthermore, during his regency Benelux was formed, Belgium became a member of the UN and the NATO treaty was signed.
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In 1950, his regency ended when Leopold III could return to the throne by plebiscite. Prince Charles retired from public life, taking up residence in Ostend, and becoming involved in artistic pursuits. Having taken up painting, he signed his works: "Karel van Vlaanderen" (Charles of Flanders). He died on June 1, 1983, in Ostend, predeceasing his elder brother by just a few months.
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