PREGNY-CHAMBÉSY, MARCH 14, 1950.

Belgium was agonizing. In Brussels, MPs were debating the consequences of the defeat at the referendum. Many were preparing for the upcoming elections. Even if Eyskens could manage to convince Leopold to do anything, the Liberals were already set to pull from the coalition and allow a snap election to take place. Roger Motz was merely giving Eyskens the professional courtesy of some breathing room to negotiate.

The delegation arrived at Pregny at 07:00. It was a small delegation composed of Paul-Henri Spaak, Prime Minister Eyskens, Paul Van Zeeland, the foreign minister, and Roger Motz, of the Liberal Party. The 'big three' political parties were united in their desire to, at the very least, end the Royal Question so the country could move forward.

Leopold was pretty much alone, being accompanied by his son, Prince Baudouin who, at that point, was quite hesitant to become King. Nonetheless, he was accompanying his father at the meeting. Leopold looked somber and serious.

After shaking hands, the delegation begins discussing recent affairs. Paul Van Zeeland presents a small collection of newspapers from March. The compilation, in essence, displays the intense mobilization of left-wing organizations towards convincing the population that Leopold has no right returning to Belgium. Soon after, Spaak sidelines Zeeland in the discussion by pointing out that Belgium is, at this very moment, profoundly divided. "We can't run from this, Your Highness", Spaak said. "Belgium is fractured beyond belief. Your rulership is simply too polarizing. There are people in the country that despise and hate you. There are others that love you beyond belief. This is not sustainable." Spaak continued by pointing out the disastrous end of the General Strike. With the authorization of Eyskens, Spaak even mentioned the political violence that occurred on March 13, when a Socialist activist was beaten by a police officer for his outspoken views on the King.

"I will be very honest, Your Highness. There is no political party in this country that can bring unity if you returned, at least as King. There is no other alternative here. What can we do? Force you into the chair? Choke the Walloons? We have a kingdom since 1830 and we are going to let it die now?" Spaak said, continuing to point out a vast list of arguments towards not allowing Belgium to be weakened by separatism.

Eyskens then took the leading role of the delegation by softly attempting to convince the King. "Your Majesty, I am speaking to you as a fellow Belgian. One who has shared the same struggles of the Second World War. Who has witnessed the Great War as well. I was nine years old at the date of the German occupation." Eyskens looked Leopold in the eyes and said, "You have served the nation faithfully for many, many years. Your legacy is secure. A clean slate with your son, Prince Baudouin here" and Eyskens gestured towards the Prince "could allow you and your family to find peace. If you stepped aside, you could contribute to the healing of our beloved nation. No one here wants a civil war. No one here wants bloodshed. We want what is best for the country."

Leopold was gradually worn down by the arguments of the ministers. One by one, they repeated their arguments and presented further news. When it was 10:11, a servant of Leopold appeared and mentioned that the National Confederation of Political Prisoners and their Dependents (CNPPA–NCPGR), published a note announcing their endorsement towards the Belgian delegation. The note was succinct and expressed its hopes that "both parties can find a legitimate solution to this conflict."

Leopold was convinced after a verbal pledge by Paul-Henri Spaak that, no matter the government, be it Socialist, Liberal, or Christian, there would be no alterations to the power of the crown, nor any constitutional reforms regarding the King's household such as, for instance, the definition that the King's children are, automatically, senators. Leopold sighed, complained, paced around the room and, finally, decided to acquiesce. He asked Baudouin about it. The prince remained hesitant.

Spaak and Eyskens were emphatic in mentioning that Baudouin's uncle, Prince-Regent Charles, as well as Baudouin's father, would all be there in Brussels alongside him. There was little to fear. "Simply allow me to prepare myself." Said Leopold. "I shall abdicate on the condition that I am allowed to publish a letter to the Belgian people." The ministers agreed.

The Letter to the Belgian People - March 17, 1950

To the people of Belgium,

I, Leopold III, King of Belgium, hereby declare my intention to abdicate from the throne of Belgium and as Head of State of the Kingdom of Belgium on March 22 of 1950. It appears that the Belgian people, in a referendum that extols their sovereign will, have voted for me to remain away from my constitutional powers, granted to me by the grace of God and the will of the Constitution of 1830.

I fully intend to comply with this desire and, therefore, I shall abdicate the throne in favor of my first-born son, Prince Baudouin.

I desire to make it clear that I have followed, throughout my entire kingship, the role of a good Christian, a good father, and a good King. Every action I have done, every Prime Minister I have appointed, has been with the sole intention of ensuring the most beautiful of fates for all of Belgium. I have tirelessly labored from exile to fight towards my return but it appears the Belgian people, sovereign as always, has decided to reject my overtures towards returning.

I wish nothing but the best for the Kingdom of Belgium and the people of Belgium. May God bless us all.

His Majesty Leopold III, King of the Belgians, March 17, 1950.

Brussels, April 3, 1950.

On the third of April, the Belgian parliament passed a law that transferred the powers of Prince-Regent from Charles to Baudouin. In private, Charles congratulated Baudouin and assured him that he would do everything in his power to help the young Prince settle into his new role. The coronation was planned to occur on November 5 of 1950. It was time for Baudouin to become King of Belgium, and for a new election to occur on 28 May, 1950.

SUMMARY

• King Leopold III has resigned.

• Prince Baudouin has been appointed Prince-Regent of Belgium until his coronation on November 5, 1950.

• Snap elections are set to happen on 28 May, 1950.