Tram and light show on the Rout Bréck, Luxembourg City, on 4 October 2025; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Monday 20 October 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of State and the Maison du Grand-Duc published a financial report detailing the costs of the recent “Trounwiessel” (throne change) celebrations, which marked the accession to the throne of Grand Duke Guillaume.

According to the eight-page report, total expenses incurred by the central government, namely the Maison du Grand-Duc and the Luxembourg government, amounted to €8,629,635.83 (including VAT). Costs borne by municipalities will be communicated separately by the local authorities.

The ministry and royal household noted that planning only began in January 2025, following the Christmas speech of Grand Duke Henri in which he announced his abdication date. The organisers emphasised that they had paid “particular attention” to the “local economic impact” from the start, with public funds invested “as much as possible” in the Luxembourg economy, benefiting local businesses, artists, artisans and service providers.

The authorities described the “Trounwiessel” as “much more than a moment of celebration,” stressing that “it served as an international showcase for Luxembourg talent and excellence.”

Breakdown of expenses (including VAT):

  • General costs linked to the throne accession: €512,813 (including catering and decorations, institutional iconography / visual branding, transport and press centre setup costs);
  • Institutional ceremonies on 3 October: €178,808 (including the Cercle Cité reception and the gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace, but excluding costs supported by the Chamber of Deputies, i.e. €294,418 for the swearing-in ceremony);
  • Public festivities (“Dem Grand-Duc seng feierlech Tournée”) on 4 October: €4,245,941 for den Atelier (organiser / producer), plus €75,000 borne by the State for infrastructure preparations;
  • Media coverage: €3,509,467 (including audiovisual coverage by BCE, equipment purchase and rental, as well as communication and photography costs).

The report does not disclose indirect costs for security measures implemented by the Grand Ducal Police and the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), citing confidentiality reasons.