Prince Charles of Belgium http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1e/Princecharlesregent.jpg Charles Prince Regent Prince Charles, Charles Théodore Henri Antoine Meinrad, Count of Flanders, Prince of Belgium (Brussels October 10, 1903 - Oostende June 1, 1983), second son of King Albert I of Belgium and Queen Elisabeth. He reigned in lieu of his older brother Leopold III of Belgium from 1944 until 1950 as Prince Regent till Leopold III of Belgium could return to the throne. Shortly after however, Leopold 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 Leopold III during the World War II as well as his marriage to Mary Lilian Baels was questioned and he became too controversial to remain on the throne. In 1950, more than half of the Belgian voters voted to let Leopold III resume his role as king, ending his regency. His regency was dominated by the events resulting from the ending of the German occupation and the controversy around Leopold 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 governement 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. In 1950, his regency ended when Leopold 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 Oostende (Belgium). Most Popular Articles: Music    Musical Instruments    Guitar    Classical Music    History    Music Definition    Country Music    Rock Music    Pop Music    Hip Hop    Rap    DJ    Video Games    Casino Games    Poker    Blackjack    Casinos    Real Estate    Loan    Auction    eBay    Marketing    Search Engine Optimization    File Sharing    MP3    Music Industry    Kazaa    Internet    Supermodel    Fashion    Fashion Designers    Erotica    Modeling    Clothing    Boots    Shoes    Diamond Engagement Rings    Diamond    Rugs    Gospel Music    Affiliate    E-Commerce    Radio This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html You may copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license. You must provide a link to http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html To view or edit this article at Wikipedia go to http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Charles_of_Belgium