New era for Luxembourg: Grand Duke Guillaume officially sworn in

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has officially abdicated after 24 years on the throne, passing the crown to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, in a historic ceremony marking a new chapter for the Grand Duchy.

The abdication was formalised during a ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace, attended by political leaders, European royals, and members of the Grand Ducal family, according to foreign media.

Henri, 69, follows in the footsteps of his father, Grand Duke Jean, who abdicated in 2000.

Following the signing of the abdication document, Grand Duke Henri symbolically lowered his monogrammed flag, accompanied by his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

Shortly after, Prince Guillaume was sworn in as the new Grand Duke at the Chamber of Deputies, alongside his wife, Princess Stéphanie, now Grand Duchess.

The day's formalities included appearances by European royalty, including King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, their daughter Princess Catharina-Amalia, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium with Princess Elisabeth.

In a symbolic echo of his father’s gesture, Grand Duke Guillaume raised his own flag following his swearing-in.

Later in the day, the new Grand Ducal family — Guillaume, Stéphanie, and their children Prince Charles (5) and Prince François (2) — made their first public appearance as Luxembourg's ruling family, greeting citizens from the palace balcony, City Hall, and Place Guillaume II.

The historic day concluded with an official reception and a gala banquet at the Grand Ducal Palace.

By Tamilla Hasanova