Times of change are coming to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and it’s not just about the recent abdication of Grand Duke Henri. His son and successor, Grand Duke Guillaume, along with his wife Stéphanie, appear determined to radically rewrite the rules of royal life, drawing inspiration from the experiences of other European courts, including the Spanish one.
The first and most resonant statement from the new ruling couple was their decision to break with centuries-old tradition and not move into the official royal residence, Colmar-Berg Castle. This majestic building, set in the picturesque Alzette River valley, has served as the home of the royal family since 1964. However, Guillaume and Stéphanie decided that the splendor and ceremonies of the grand palace did not fit their concept of family comfort. Instead, they chose to remain at Fischbach Castle, surrounded by nature, where they believe the conditions are ideal for raising their sons, Princes Charles and François.
However, Fischbach is only a temporary refuge. In their official statement published on July 17, the couple revealed far more ambitious plans. They intend to build a modern and secluded residential wing on the grounds of the very same Colmar-Berg estate. In the statement, Guillaume emphasized that as the future head of state and as a father, he sees his mission as finding a balance between serving the nation and family life. He expressed his belief that, for their children to develop properly and prepare for future responsibilities, they should grow up in an environment that is as private and warm as possible, rather than in the formal halls of the official residence.
Such an approach may seem revolutionary for conservative Luxembourg, but it fits perfectly with the pan-European trend set by the new generation of monarchs. And here, it is impossible not to draw parallels with Spain. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia made a similar choice many years ago. Instead of moving into the apartments in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, where Queen Sofía still resides, they remained in what is known as the “Pabellón del Príncipe”—a more compact and modern house within the same complex. It was there, away from excessive attention, that their daughters—Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía—grew up.
The Spanish example is not unique. Across the Channel, Britain’s King Charles III has not rushed to move from his cozy Clarence House to the grand Buckingham Palace after ascending the throne, even though the latter has always been the official royal residence. This points to a broader shift in the mindset of Europe’s monarchs. They no longer wish to be prisoners of protocol and age-old traditions, especially when it comes to what matters most—the family. The Luxembourg couple’s decision further illustrates that modern monarchy seeks to be closer to the people, showing that royal duties can indeed be compatible with simple human values.
