The former king of Belgium, Albert II, has refused to undergo DNA testing in a case aimed at proving he fathered a love-child in the 1960s.<\/p>\n
A Brussels court ordered the ex-monarch, 84, to provide a saliva sample in three months or risk being presumed to be the father of Delphine Bo\u00ebl, 50.<\/p>\n
The ex-king denies the paternity claim and is said to be seeking legal advice on a possible appeal.<\/p>\n
Ms Bo\u00ebl’s lawyers have welcomed the DNA request.<\/p>\n
The former monarch announced his abdication in 2013, citing ill health. He stepped down on 21 July, Belgium’s national day.<\/p>\n
He was sworn in as the sixth king of the Belgians on 9 August 1993. His accession followed the death of his brother, King Baudouin, at the age of 62.<\/p>\n
Ms Bo\u00ebl’s mother, Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps, says she had an affair with the king spanning two decades. The allegations emerged over a decade ago that he was the father of Ms Bo\u00ebl, causing a royal scandal.<\/p>\n
There is some speculation in the media that this may have influenced his decision to abdicate.<\/p>\n
Belgium has a constitutional monarchy in which the king plays a largely ceremonial role.<\/p>\n
One of the duties the monarch does have is trying to resolve constitutional crises.<\/p>\n
Source: bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"