King Leopold III of Belgium was born on November 3, 1901, and became the king in 1934 after the abdication of his father, King Albert I. His reign was marked by the challenges of World War II, during which Belgium was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1940. Leopold chose to remain in Belgium during the occupation, a decision that led to controversy and criticism. After the war, Leopold's popularity declined, and he faced pressure to abdicate due to his perceived collaboration with the Germans. In 1951, he officially abdicated in favor of his son, King Baudouin, and spent the rest of his life in exile, passing away on September 25, 1983.