Guillaume Sworn In as Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Friday 3 October 2025 marked a historic moment in Luxembourg with the accession of Grand Duke Guillaume.

Grand Duke Henri’s Abdication at the Grand Ducal Palace

The formalities kicked off around 10:00 with the abdication ceremony of Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg-Ville. Prime Minister Luc Frieden delivered a speech in which he thanked Grand Duke Henri, who ascended the throne on 7 October 2000, for “25 years of service to Luxembourg”, saying he had “always placed our social cohesion at the centre of [his] priorities” and had “profoundly marked Luxembourg”. He added: “A monarchy distinguishes itself by its continuity”. Addressing Grand Duke Guillaume, he assured: “Monseigneur, as we did with your grandfather, Grand Duke Jean, and your father, Grand Duke Henri, the people of Luxembourg will stand by you - in service of a peaceful and democratic Luxembourg and Europe.”

Guests arriving at the palace included Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer, former prime ministers Jacques Santer and Jean-Claude Juncker, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Parliament President Claude Wiseler, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (accompanied by her husband Ukko Metsola) and European Council President António Costa, as well as members of the Dutch and Belgian royal families: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and Princess Élisabeth of Belgium. Grand Duke Henri’s siblings also made an appearance on the red carpet laid out in front of the palace and the adjacent Chamber of Deputies (parliament).

While the abdication ceremony unfolded inside the palace, members of the public and press outside enjoyed performances by the Luxembourg Military Band, accompanied by the honour detachments of the Luxembourg Army and the Grand Ducal Police.

Grand Duke Guillaume Takes the Oath

Around 11:00, Grand Duke Guillaume took the oath during the swearing-in ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies (parliament). He was joined by Grand Duchess Stéphanie and their son Prince Charles - currently next in line to the throne. Prime Minister Frieden noted the “great responsibility” of becoming Head of State, requiring “commitment, courage and heart”. He said the Grand Duke, as a symbol of the nation, “stands as the guarantor of its unity and independence” and embodies “continuity and stability”. Succession, he stressed, also “marks a time of renewal and transition”. On behalf of the government, he wished the 43-year-old Grand Duke “happiness and success” in his new role.

Chamber President Claude Wiseler described each succession as “a change of epoch”, thanking Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for “everything they have done for our country” over the last quarter of a century. He welcomed the heads of state of Belgium and the Netherlands, calling their presence “a strong symbol of the ties between [their] dynasties and the Grand Ducal Family” and of “the deep and unwavering connection that unites [these] three countries”. Mr Wiseler also welcomed European leaders Roberta Metsola and António Costa, noting their “support for the new Grand Duke and the important place that our country holds within [their] institutions”. Turning to Grand Duke Guillaume, he said: “From a young age, you were prepared for your role as Grand Duke and Head of State [...] Today, the moment has come. Grand Duke Henri has decided to pass on the throne to you. Because the time is right. Because you are ready.” He stressed Guillaume’s role as “the first Grand Duke to take the oath of office since the new Constitution came into effect” (in 2023), entrusted with “building bridges between tradition and the future, between generations, between Luxembourgers and non-Luxembourgers, between our country and its partners within the Benelux, within Europe and worldwide”. He said Luxembourg’s greatest challenge in the coming years would be to defend its values - democracy, solidarity, freedom and respect - but expressed confidence in Grand Duke Guillaume’s leadership, concluding: “We know that you will do everything for the good of our country, its people and its values”.

In his first address as Grand Duke, Guillaume declared: “I undertake to fulfil, with responsibility, integrity and dedication, the duties associated with this oath and prescribed by the Constitution.” He pledged to “remain politically neutral and to defend our fundamental democratic principles steadfastly”, as well as to “serve all the people of our country, and to act, in all circumstances, in the interests of the nation”; he said: “I will act with integrity, remain authentic and serve our country with loyalty and honesty.” He spoke of tradition but also the need for the monarchy to “evolve with the times and remain oriented toward the future”, adding that he wished to “build bridges between generations, between tradition and innovation”. Grand Duke Guillaume stressed the importance of shared values, as well as creativity and solidarity, not least in an evolving and challenging world. He praised Luxembourg’s adaptability (for example economic innovation) but warned that “pride must never give way to complacency”.

The new Grand Duke highlighted Luxembourg’s social stability as well as its multicultural population as assets for both society and the economy, emphasising the importance of the “values of openness, diversity, tolerance and solidarity”. Speaking as a father, he addressed young people who are particularly affected by “the dawn of a major technological revolution, driven by artificial intelligence”. He urged: “In an increasingly digital world, we must cultivate human connections more than ever. […] While artificial intelligence offers many benefits, it must never be allowed to stifle our creativity or weaken our critical spirit”. He also promised to support the vulnerable and “give a voice to those who are seldom heard, and whose lives are often marked by hardship.” He went on to highlight the supportive role of his wife and thanked his parents for preparing him for (and entrusting him with) the role of Grand Duke. He mentioned his late grandfather Grand Duke Jean, who passed away in 2019, saying: “He is with us today, present in our thoughts”, and echoed his great-grandmother Grand Duchess Charlotte’s words: “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.”

In parallel with the swearing-in ceremony, the flag bearing the monogram of Grand Duke Henri next to Place de la Constitution was lowered and replaced with the new flag featuring that of Grand Duke Guillaume.

Public Appearances & Gala Dinner

Around midday, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie appeared on the palace balcony, accompanied by their sons Prince Charles (aged five) and Prince François (two), greeted by cheering crowds waving flags and chanting “Vive le Grand-Duc!”, among other positive messages. They were later joined by Grand Duke Guillaume’s parents and siblings, as well as members of the Belgian and Dutch royal families.

The new Grand Ducal couple then visited City Hall, signed the “Livre d’Or” (golden book) on a large outdoor stage and greeted the public in Place Guillaume II, before attending a government-hosted reception at Cercle Cité in Place d’Armes.

The day ended with a private gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace, attended by national and foreign dignitaries - including French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender. Earlier that afternoon, Prime Minister Frieden had hosted President Macron for a bilateral meeting at the Château de Senningen.

The “Trounwiessel” (throne transition) celebrations continue on Saturday 4 October 2025, with Grand Duke Guillaume’s “first working day” taking him on a tour of the Grand Duchy, followed by a drone show and concerts in the evening. For details, see https://chronicle.lu/category/at-home/57124-trounwiessel-what-to-expect-as-luxembourg-prepares-to-welcome-new-grand-duke