BREAKING: Grand Duke Guillaume has officially ascended to the throne of Luxembourg, taking an oath in a ceremony that captivated the nation on July 15, 2023. This historic moment comes as his father, Grand Duke Henri, abdicates after 25 years of service in this largely symbolic role.
As bells rang across the city, hundreds gathered outside the Grand Palace, chanting “Guillaume, Guillaume!” The new grand duke, clad in an olive-green military uniform, appeared on the balcony alongside his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, who dazzled in a sky-blue gown, and their two young children—five-year-old heir Charles and two-year-old François.
In his first address to the public, Guillaume paid tribute to his predecessor, quoting a significant 1919 speech by Grand Duchess Charlotte. “I will live the life of my people, from whom I do not want to be separated by any barrier,” he declared. He emphasized the monarchy’s role as a beacon of freedom and unity during turbulent times, drawing parallels to the geopolitical tensions of today.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from across Europe, including royals from the Netherlands and Belgium. Tonight, the new grand duke will host a gala featuring notable guests such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The excitement in Luxembourg is palpable. Crowds sported national flags and painted faces in the colors of the Luxembourg flag—red, white, and light blue. Many held portraits of the royal family, celebrating what they call “Trounweissel,” or “ascension to the throne.” Young citizens like Nefeni Neocleousk, 18, expressed their hopes for the new ruler, saying, “Maach dat gudd! Du packs dat!” which translates to “Do it well, you will succeed.”
As the seventh grand duke since the establishment of the modern monarchy in 1890, Guillaume’s reign marks a pivotal moment for the tiny duchy of 700,000 citizens located in the heart of Europe. Over the weekend, he will embark on a tour of Luxembourg, concluding with a Sunday Mass at the Catholic Notre-Dame de Luxembourg cathedral, further solidifying his connection with the populace.
Luxembourg, the last grand duchy in the world, has a rich history, cleaved from parts of what are now France, Belgium, and Germany. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy, with the grand duke serving as head of state, similar to the roles of King Charles of the UK and King Philippe of Belgium.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding royal story as Grand Duke Guillaume embarks on his new journey, representing a symbol of resilience and unity for the people of Luxembourg.
