Prince Charles of Belgium
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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 King Albert I of Belgium and Queen Elizabeth. He reigned in lieu of his older brother Léopold III of Belgium from 1944 until 1950 as Prince Regent till Léopold III of Belgium could return to the throne. Shortly after however, Léopold III abdicated in favour of his Heir Apparent, his son Baudouin.
Prince Charles was appointed Regent when the German occupation ended in 1944. The role of his brother Léopold 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.
His regency was dominated by the events resulting from the ending of the German occupation and the controversy around Léopold III. This period determined very much events in later decades. During his regency important economical 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 the Benelux was formed, Belgium became member of the UN and the NATO treaty was signed.
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In 1950, his regency ended when Léopold III could return to the throne by plebiscite. Prince Charles retired from public life, taking up residence in Ostend, and becoming involved in artistic environments. He took up painting and signed his works: "Karel van Vlaanderen" (Charles of Flanders).
He died on June 1 1983 in Ostend (Belgium).
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