Luxembourg, Oct 3 (AP) – In a historic transition, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, aged 70, has abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Guillaume. After serving for a quarter century in what is largely a ceremonial role, Henri steps down to usher in a new era for the grand duchy located in Europe's heart.
Guillaume, 43, is set to be crowned later on Friday. Following the ceremony, he will make his first public appearance with his family on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace, where they will greet the citizens. This marks Guillaume's ascent as Luxembourg's seventh grand duke since the monarchy was modernized in 1890.
In accordance with tradition, Guillaume will take an oath to uphold Luxembourg's constitution in front of the 60 members of the Chamber of Deputies, which serves as the country's legislative body.
Accompanying him will be his wife, Belgian-born Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, along with their sons, Prince Charles, 5, and Prince François, 2. Royals from neighboring nations, including the Netherlands and Belgium, are anticipated to attend the ceremonies.
To mark the occasion, there will be an evening gala, with attendees such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Over the ensuing weekend, Guillaume will engage in the traditional national tour, which will culminate in a Sunday Mass at the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg cathedral, officiated by Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.
Luxembourg has been carved throughout history from territories that are now part of France, Belgium, and Germany. As a parliamentary democracy, the grand duke serves as the symbolic head of state, similar to King Charles in the UK or King Philippe in Belgium.
With a population of around 700,000, Luxembourg is noted for its linguistic diversity, with Luxembourgish, French, and German all commonly spoken. Remarkably, it remains the world's sole grand duchy. Despite its small size, Luxembourg is a financial titan, hosting critical EU institutions like the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. Its economy is fueled by major banking, reinsurance, and hedge fund enterprises in the eurozone.
As Guillaume takes over, images of the new grand duke will replace those of his father across the duchy. Additionally, Guillaume's monogram, a symmetrical golden “G” beneath a crown, will be incorporated into the uniforms of military and public service officers.
Educated in France, Switzerland, and Britain's Sandhurst military academy, Guillaume also brings experience from working with firms in Belgium, Germany, and Spain.
Christoph Brüll, a historian at the University of Luxembourg, notes that while Guillaume's role primarily remains symbolic, his influence derives through public speech. “His margin of maneuver or right to action is zero,” Brüll explains. “For the rest, the grand duke will remain a political symbol.”
Luxembourg, Oct 3 (AP) – In a historic transition, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, aged 70, has abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Guillaume. After serving for a quarter century in what is largely a ceremonial role, Henri steps down to usher in a new era for the grand duchy located in Europe's heart.
Guillaume, 43, is set to be crowned later on Friday. Following the ceremony, he will make his first public appearance with his family on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace, where they will greet the citizens. This marks Guillaume's ascent as Luxembourg's seventh grand duke since the monarchy was modernized in 1890.
In accordance with tradition, Guillaume will take an oath to uphold Luxembourg's constitution in front of the 60 members of the Chamber of Deputies, which serves as the country's legislative body.
Accompanying him will be his wife, Belgian-born Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, along with their sons, Prince Charles, 5, and Prince François, 2. Royals from neighboring nations, including the Netherlands and Belgium, are anticipated to attend the ceremonies.
To mark the occasion, there will be an evening gala, with attendees such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Over the ensuing weekend, Guillaume will engage in the traditional national tour, which will culminate in a Sunday Mass at the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg cathedral, officiated by Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.
Luxembourg has been carved throughout history from territories that are now part of France, Belgium, and Germany. As a parliamentary democracy, the grand duke serves as the symbolic head of state, similar to King Charles in the UK or King Philippe in Belgium.
With a population of around 700,000, Luxembourg is noted for its linguistic diversity, with Luxembourgish, French, and German all commonly spoken. Remarkably, it remains the world's sole grand duchy. Despite its small size, Luxembourg is a financial titan, hosting critical EU institutions like the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. Its economy is fueled by major banking, reinsurance, and hedge fund enterprises in the eurozone.
As Guillaume takes over, images of the new grand duke will replace those of his father across the duchy. Additionally, Guillaume's monogram, a symmetrical golden “G” beneath a crown, will be incorporated into the uniforms of military and public service officers.
Educated in France, Switzerland, and Britain's Sandhurst military academy, Guillaume also brings experience from working with firms in Belgium, Germany, and Spain.
Christoph Brüll, a historian at the University of Luxembourg, notes that while Guillaume's role primarily remains symbolic, his influence derives through public speech. “His margin of maneuver or right to action is zero,” Brüll explains. “For the rest, the grand duke will remain a political symbol.”
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