Leopold III of Belgium was born on November 3, 1901, and became the King of Belgium in 1934. He was the son of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. His reign was marked by the challenges of World War II, during which Belgium was invaded by Germany in 1940. Leopold chose to remain in Belgium during the occupation, which led to controversy and criticism. After the war, Leopold's decision to collaborate with the Germans caused a political crisis. In 1950, he abdicated in favor of his son, Baldwin I, and went into exile. He returned to Belgium in 1951 and lived a quieter life until his death on September 25, 1983.