The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is on the verge of a historic event set to capture the attention of all Europe. While the local court is traditionally known for its restraint and tends to avoid excessive pomp, the upcoming transfer of power from Grand Duke Henri to his son Guillaume promises to be a major European occasion. The ceremonies scheduled for October 3 will bring to the capital not only members of the ruling dynasty, but also monarchs from neighboring countries and leading continental politicians. This gathering highlights the close ties that unite the Benelux countries, whose shared history dates back to the times when these lands were part of the Spanish and later Austrian crowns.
The Grand Duke’s palace has already published the list of guests invited to the celebrations marking the end of nearly 25 years of Henri’s reign. For him, his wife Maria Teresa, and their entire family, this will undoubtedly be an emotional moment. The spotlight, of course, will be on the Grand Ducal family in full. The departing monarch will be accompanied by his wife and all five children: heir Guillaume, Prince Félix with his wife Princess Claire Lademacher, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra with her husband Nicolas Bagory, and Prince Sébastien.
A special place among the guests is reserved for members of the royal families of Belgium and the Netherlands, reflecting a long-standing tradition and close family ties. King Philippe of the Belgians, who is Grand Duke Henri’s cousin, will arrive from Brussels accompanied by Queen Mathilde. Joining them will be their eldest daughter and heir to the throne, Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, who is making a special trip to Luxembourg shortly before the new academic year begins at Harvard University. The Netherlands will be represented by King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, heir to the throne.
In addition to royals, key European leaders will also attend the ceremonies. French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his participation. His wife, Brigitte Macron, will join guests at the evening gala dinner. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is also expected, accompanied by his partner Elke Büdenbender at the dinner. The list of prominent political figures is rounded out by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, with her husband Ukko Metsola, and the President of the European Council, António Costa.
The day of the transfer of power will be scheduled down to the minute. The abdication procedure will begin at 10:00 in the Grand Ducal Palace. An hour later, the oath-taking ceremony for Prince Guillaume will commence in the Chamber of Deputies and last just over an hour. By a quarter past twelve, Luxembourg will have a new head of state. The 42-year-old monarch, as he himself admitted to the press, is aware of his lack of experience but is full of ambitious plans for the future and grateful to his father for his trust. The highlight of the day will be the appearance of the new Grand Ducal family—Guillaume, his wife Stéphanie, and their sons, five-year-old Charles, who will become the hereditary Grand Duke that day, and two-year-old François—on the palace balcony. It will be their first official appearance in their new roles.
