Son of Albert the First, Leopold became the fourth King of Belgium in 1934. Faced with the threat of a new conflict in Europe, from 1936 onwards he engaged Belgium in the politics of “independence” and then of neutrality. He directed military operations during the invasion of Belgium by Germany on the 10th of May 1940. He laid down his arms on the 28th of May, a decision which was contested, notably by France, as was his decision to remain in Belgium and marry Lilian Baels during the war. The Germans captured him and took him to the Reich in 1944. He was liberated by the Allies in 1945, but the communists, socialists and liberals were very critical of him. Leopold III thus preferred to take exile in Switzerland. From September 1944, the regency was taken on by his brother, Prince Charles. For more than 5 years, what is known as the “Royal Question” was to shake the country. In 1950, following a popular consultation, whose result was favourable, the King returned to Belgium. But the vote divided the country: the majority of Flanders was in favour of the King, as opposed to Wallonia and Brussels. Faced with the difficulties which shook the country and the dangers of them exploding, the King withdrew: he passed his powers to his son Baudouin, “Prince Royal” in August 1950 and abdicated in his favour in July 1951.