Luxembourg Welcomes king Guillaume as Grand duke Henri Abdicates
Luxembourg City – Luxembourg has a new head of state as Guillaume, formerly the Grand Duke, ascended to the throne today following the abdication of his father, Grand duke Henri. The formal transfer of power marks a historic moment for the Grand duchy, ushering in a new era under its fifth monarch.
The change of throne is a meaningful event for Luxembourg, a nation of over 650,000 people, and signals continuity alongside potential shifts in focus for the country’s future. Grand Duke Henri’s abdication after a 20-year reign allows for a smooth transition to his son, who has been actively preparing for the role. The event drew prominent guests including members of royal houses from neighboring Netherlands and Belgium, as well as the presidents of Germany and France, underscoring Luxembourg’s close ties with its European partners.
The first day of celebrations included Grand Duke Henri’s abdication ceremony at the palace, followed by Guillaume taking his oath before the Chamber of Deputies. The Grand Ducal Family than appeared on the palace balcony, and the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Stéphanie greeted citizens on Place Guillaume II. A gala dinner at the palace concluded the day’s official events.
Tomorrow, Grand Duke Guillaume will embark on a tour of the country, visiting various towns, clubs, and initiatives in Wiltz, dudelingen, Steinfort, and Luxembourg City. folk festivals will be held in these locations, culminating in a large show featuring numerous artists on the Glacis in Luxembourg City. A detailed programme of events is available here.
