Luxembourg has a new grand duke following the abdication of his father, Grand Duke Henri, who served in the role for 25 years. On March 15, 2024, Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, took the oath of office during a ceremonial event attended by European royals and heads of state, marking a significant moment in the country’s history.
The ceremony took place at the Grand Palace, where bells rang out to signal the occasion. Crowds gathered outside, chanting “Guillaume, Guillaume!” as the new grand duke appeared on the balcony to greet citizens. Dressed in an olive-green military uniform, Guillaume was accompanied by his family, including his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, who wore a sky-blue gown. Their two children, five-year-old Charles and two-year-old François, were also present, both dressed in shorts.
In his inaugural address, Grand Duke Guillaume emphasized his commitment to the people of Luxembourg. “I will live the life of my people, from whom I do not want to be separated by any barrier. I will share their joys and sufferings,” he said, quoting a speech made by his predecessor, Grand Duchess Charlotte, in 1919. He highlighted the monarchy’s role as a symbol of freedom and unity, underscoring its importance during times of crisis.
The transition comes as Luxembourg’s seventh grand duke since the establishment of the modern monarchy in 1890. The new grand duke succeeds his father, who is 70 years old. The crowd outside the palace displayed photographs of the royal family and waved flags, celebrating the occasion. Many attendees adorned themselves in the colors of the Luxembourg flag—red, white, and light blue—while others painted their faces to show support.
Among the notable guests at the ceremony were royals from the Netherlands and Belgium. Following the oath-taking, Grand Duke Guillaume hosted an evening gala, which included prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The grand duke’s official duties will include a tour of Luxembourg, a small parliamentary democracy with around 700,000 citizens, on the following weekend. The tour will conclude with a Sunday Mass at the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg cathedral, attended by Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.
Luxembourg’s unique status as the world’s last remaining grand duchy adds to the significance of this transition. The nation, which has its roots in parts of what are now France, Belgium, and Germany, continues to thrive as a multicultural society where Luxembourgish, French, and German are commonly spoken.
As Grand Duke Guillaume embraces his new role, he steps into a position that connects a rich historical legacy with the modern aspirations of the people of Luxembourg.
