Prince Guillaume Sworn In as Lieutenant-Representative

On Tuesday 8 October 2024, Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, officially became the Lieutenant-Representative (Lieutenant-Représentant) of the Grand Duke.

During his National Day speech in June this year, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg announced the decision to appoint his son as Lieutenant-Representative, effectively bringing Prince Guillaume one step closer to taking over as head of state.

Whilst Grand Duke Henri remains the current head of state until his formal abdication (date yet to be confirmed), he can delegate certain tasks to his Lieutenant-Representative. This is seen to help facilitate the gradual transition of power. Such responsibilities include the accreditation of ambassadors to Luxembourg and signing decrees on behalf of the Grand Duke.

The official ceremony on Tuesday afternoon began at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg-Ville. Both Grand Duke Henri and Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, signed the relevant Grand Ducal Decree establishing Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Representative. In his speech, the Prime Minister described the occasion as an important day and a "rare moment" in Luxembourg's history (and in Europe) - this is the sixth lieutenancy since 1850; Grand Duke Henri had previously been designated Lieutenant-Representative by his father, Grand Duke Jean, in 1998. Prime Minister Frieden described this step as "institutional preparation for the function of head of state" for Prince Guillaume. He concluded by congratulating the Hereditary Grand Duke and wishing him luck in his new role.

In response, Prince Guillaume noted that the lieutenancy was a "sign of trust": the trust placed by a father in his son and by a head of state in his successor. He thanked his father for entrusting him with this new function, as well as his mother, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and his wife, Princess Stéphanie, who were also present at the palace, for their continued support. Prince Guillaume said he was proud to be able to work more closely with the Grand Duke and promised he would do his best to fulfil his new responsibilities.

Prince Guillaume and Prime Minister Frieden then headed towards the Chamber of Deputies (parliament), where they joined Luxembourg government ministers and MPs. Members of the press and the public were invited to watch the official ceremony inside the parliament, where the Prime Minister first read out the newly signed decree. Parliament President Claude Wiseler subsequently said in his speech: "Today is a day where Luxembourgish history is written". He reflected on the tradition of lieutenancies but noted that this was the first time a Hereditary Grand Duke "is taking the oath before the entire Chamber of Deputies in a public session", later adding that this moment marked "the confluence of tradition and renewal". Mr Wiseler stressed that the new Lieutenant-Representative had the full confidence of Luxembourg's elected representatives.

The Chamber President then invited Prince Guillaume to take the following oath (in French; speeches otherwise in Luxembourgish), in accordance with Article 58 of the Constitution: "I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws and to faithfully fulfil my constitutional duties." 

Addressing parliament, the Hereditary Grand Duke described the occasion as "an important moment in the institutional life of our country". He again thanked his father, the Grand Duke, as well as the elected representatives for their confidence. He said he looked forward to "serving the country and its citizens and to doing what is best for Luxembourg". His speech was met with an extended round of applause.

Prince Guillaume later signed the "Livre d'Or" before departing parliament to meet with members of the public on Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes (in front of the palace). The lieutenancy ceremony concluded with a (private) reception at the Grand Ducal Palace.