Grand Duke Guillaume Ascends Luxembourg Throne in Traditional Ceremony

Luxembourg, Oct 3 (AP) — Grand Duke Guillaume officially ascended to the throne of Luxembourg on Friday, marking the occasion in a traditional ceremony attended by fellow royals and European leaders.

Accompanied by his wife, Grand Duchess Stephanie, the 43-year-old Grand Duke Guillaume took his oath in front of Luxembourg's parliament, assuming the symbolic role from his father, Henri, who had served for 25 years.

In his inaugural address to the nation, Guillaume quoted a 1919 speech by his predecessor, Grand Duchess Charlotte, emphasizing unity and perseverance during trying times such as World War I and modern-day geopolitical tensions. He stated, “A symbol of the principles of freedom and unity enshrined in our Constitution, the monarchy remains a steadfast support in times of crisis.”

Outside the palace, decorated with yellow stone and ornate turrets, excited crowds awaited the new grand duke. Many proudly displayed the Luxembourg flag or sported its red, white, and light blue colors—mirrored in the gown of Belgian-born Grand Duchess Stephanie.

Nefeni Neocleousk, 18, draped in a Luxembourgish flag, extended her well wishes in Luxembourgish, saying, “Maach dat gudd! Du packs dat!” translating to “Do it well, you will succeed.”

Guillaume and his family, including sons Charles, 5, and Francois, 2, were set to greet the public from the Grand Ducal Palace balcony. The ceremony was graced by royals from neighboring Belgium and the Netherlands. An evening gala followed, attended by dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

This transition marks Guillaume as Luxembourg's seventh grand duke since the modern monarchy began in 1890. Over the weekend, he plans a tour of his realm—a country the size of Rhode Island with a population of 700,000—culminating in a Sunday Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral with Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.

Celebrating Guillaume’s rise, Lea Lister, an official royal court supplier, delivered 200 madeleines for the event, noting that Guillaume’s cooking lessons with her began when he was just 13. “You can feel that he is very emotive and sensitive,” she mentioned, believing his character will serve him well as grand duke.

Luxembourg, carved from territories of France, Belgium, and Germany centuries ago, stands as a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Known for its financial prowess, the country is home to key EU institutions like the European Court of Justice.

Guillaume's photograph and monogram will soon replace those of his predecessor in official capacities, solidifying his new role. A historian at the University of Luxembourg, Christoph Brull, noted Guillaume’s responsibility is largely symbolic, with his influence chiefly in his words. (AP)

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