King Albert of Belgium

Albert became King of Belgium in 1909. Albert and his wife were well-liked as a royal family. They had a model family and acted like real people. Albert knew of the German invasion plans, but could do nothing, as Belgium's neutrality prevented the country from arming itself. But once the war had begun, he led the Belgians in delaying actions against the Germans. The Belgian constitution said the King would become Commander in Chief in case of war. Although an ally, the King did not fully cooperate with the other allied powers. He maintained a separate command for the Belgian forces. In 1918 Albert finally gave in to pressure and cooperated with the allies in the final offensive of 1918, being made commander of the Flanders Army Group by General Foch. He died in a mountain climbing accident near Namur and was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who would face the Nazis in World War II. Albert's death was universally mourned.

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