BREAKING: Grand Duke Guillaume has officially ascended the throne of Luxembourg today, July 14, 2023, following a heartfelt abdication by his father, Grand Duke Henri. In a traditional ceremony held at the Grand Palace, Guillaume swore an oath that heralds a new era for the tiny European duchy, drawing cheers from a jubilant crowd gathered outside.
As church bells rang, hundreds of citizens chanted “Guillaume, Guillaume!” while the new grand duke stepped onto the balcony alongside his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, and their two young children, Prince Charles and Prince François. Sporting an olive-green military uniform adorned with a yellow sash, Guillaume’s first public appearance as grand duke was met with overwhelming enthusiasm.
In a poignant address, Guillaume echoed the words of his predecessor from 1919, stating, “
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 emphasized the monarchy’s role as a symbol of freedom and unity, drawing parallels between historic conflicts and today’s geopolitical tensions.
Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, succeeds his father, who served in the largely ceremonial role for an impressive 25 years. The atmosphere in Luxembourg was electric, with citizens displaying flags and portraits of the royal family. Young supporters like Nefeni Neocleous, 18, expressed their hopes for the new grand duke in Luxembourgish: “Maach dat gudd! Du packs dat!” meaning, “Do it well, you will succeed.”
The royal ceremony also drew dignitaries from across Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will later attend a gala hosted by the new grand duke.
Guillaume’s reign marks a significant institutional milestone for Luxembourg, a parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 700,000 citizens. The duchy is known for its unique blend of cultures, with residents speaking Luxembourgish, French, and German.
In the days ahead, Grand Duke Guillaume will embark on a tour of his new realm, concluding with a Sunday Mass at the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg cathedral alongside Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich. This ceremonial tour underscores the grand duke’s commitment to connect with his people and uphold the principles enshrined in the constitution.
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic transition unfolds in the heart of Europe. The world watches as Luxembourg steps into a new chapter under its seventh grand duke since 1890, the last remaining grand duchy in the world.
