The festivities continued on Thursday in recognition of the Grand Duke's official birthday with a military parade held in his honour along Avenue de la Liberté.
23 June has been celebrated as Luxembourg's National Day since 1961, established by the then-reigning Charlotte and the heir apparent Jean. The occasion is recognised annually with a variety of events and entertainment, both on the eve of the Grand Duke's birthday and the day itself.
The Luxembourg public were invited to join members of the Grand Ducal family, government members, MPs and respresentatives of Luxembourg City at an official ceremony held at the Philharmonie Luxembourg on Thursday morning. Speeches were given by HRH the Grand Duke, Mar Di Bartolomeo and Xavier Bettel before awards were presented and various orchestras and choirs from Luxembourg provided a musical accompaniment.
Under the direction of Colonel Yves Kalmes, commander of the Diekirch Military Centre, the traditional military taking up of arms was held along Avenue de la Liberté in the Gare district of Luxembourg City.
Individuals and families from around the country made their way to the city centre for the occasion, which was preceded by a review of the troops by Chief of Staff of the Army, General Romain Mancinelli, CEO of the Grand Ducal Police, Philippe Schrantz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence Étienne Schneider and HRH the Grand Duke.
Following an interpretation of the national anthem, members of the Luxembourg Army, the police, firefighters, the emergency services and customs and excise donned their uniforms and marched along the street before a crowd of patriots waving flags and taking photos. The summer sun also made an appearance, albeit an unforgiving one, with members of the army passed water bottles to keep them hydrated.
Photos by Sarah Graham
