Celebrations for the Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume V: October 3 - 5, 2025

[iceflower]

This is the thread dedicated to the accession of Grand Duke Guillaume in October 2025.

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[iceflower]

Yesterday, May 5, Luxembourg's government has released some first information about the celebrations for the accession of Grand Duke Guillaume in October 2025.

In a written statement the Ministry of State announced that the celebrations will run from Friday, October 3, to Sunday October 5:

Celebrations to mark the change of reign

Following the appointment of His Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke as Lieutenant-Représentant on 8 October and the subsequent announcement by His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of his intention to abdicate in favour of his son on 3 October 2025, ...

gouvernement.lu

The official ceremonies will take place on Friday 3 October 2025. The main event will be the signing of the Act of Abdication by His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace in the presence of the President of the Chamber of Deputies and the Prime Minister, followed by the swearing in of His Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume at the Chamber of Deputies. After the ceremony, the Grand Ducal Family will appear on the balcony of the Palace. The public will also have the opportunity to greet the new Grand Ducal Couple on Place Guillaume II, where the council of aldermen of the City of Luxembourg will pay tribute to the newly enthroned Grand Duke.


The Government will host a reception for the institutions and the diplomatic corps at the Cercle Cité in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses.


An evening gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace will conclude this first day.


On Saturday 4 October, the formal ceremonies will be followed by a day of celebrations in several cities and key locations across the country.


Residents of the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region, along with all those who wish to do so, will have the opportunity to greet the new Grand Ducal Couple at three major public celebrations to mark the change of reign. These will take place in Wiltz, Dudelange and Luxembourg City.


During this festive event entitled "Dem Grand-Duc seng feierlech Tournée", the new Grand Ducal Couple will take part in these three publics celebrations but will also make stops in Grevenmacher and Steinfort.


During a ceremony at around 8 pm, Their Royal Highnesses will arrive in the capital via the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte Bridge ("Rout Bréck"). A nocturne drone show and a concert featuring Luxembourg's artistic scene will conclude the day on the Glacis.


The events of 4 October are being organised under the coordination of the Maison du Grand-Duc, the Ministry of State, and the relevant state and municipal administrations, with the support of the teams from den Atelier.


On Sunday 5 October, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Luxembourg, the Grand Ducal Family will attend a Te Deum service at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg.

 

[Marengo]

The livestream for Friday, times are CET

Trounwiessel - Official website - Luxembourg

Find the full programme of festivities for the accession to the throne, taking place on 3 and 4 October 2025 in Grevenmacher, Wiltz, Steinfort, Dudelange, and Luxembourg City.

www.trounwiessel.lu

10:00 Abdication - broadcast starts at 9:30
11:00 Inauguration
12:15 Balcony appearance
13:05 Ceremony in city hall
19:00 Dinner

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Just a reminder: Guillaume V will not become the new Grand Duke when Grand Duke Henri abdicates at 10 a.m. He will only start to reign as the new Grand Duke at 11 a.m. or thereabouts, when he swears his oath of office.

When the Constitution was reformed in 2023, Luxembourg copied Belgium’s system of succession to the throne: “The King is dead, long live the King” does not apply in Belgium or, since 2023, in Luxembourg. Instead, the new reign begins only after the successor has sworn his inaugural oath.

In between, the throne is vacant and the Crown’s functions are carried out by the Government.

As explained in the preparatory work for the 2023 reform:

“Le texte introduit ainsi une discontinuité sous la forme d’un interrègne qui durera du décès ou de l’abdication du prédécesseur jusqu’au moment de la prestation du serment par le successeur.”

Translation:

“The [new] text [of the Constitution] therefore introduces a discontinuity in the form of an interregnum which lasts from the predecessor’s death or abdication until the moment of the successor swearing the oath.”

https://wdocs-pub.chd.lu/docs/exped/0114/122/229221.pdf

From the Constitution:

“Article 61. From the death of the Grand Duke, his abdication or the verification of the impossibility of his carrying out his constitutional duties, until the swearing in of his successor, the function of Head of State is exercised by the Government.”

Journal officiel du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The livestream has begun! I hope members will point out any interesting people or sights they observe.

RTL's news coverage here:

RTL Today - Trounwiessel

today.rtl.lu

 

[Adda]

Wow, the day has finally come. I'm so excited for the new, lovely Grand Dukes and their beautiful children.

Their Majesties and Princess Elisabeth

https://twitter.com/x/status/1974019184217481279

The Dutch

https://twitter.com/x/status/1974020073619620022

 

[Stefan]

Henri and Maria Teresa were outside to great the guests and when the dutch and belgian royals arrived once could see how short Maria Teresa is. The towered over her.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Nice of the government to provide realtime English translation (and sign language translation) of the livestream!

Also from the Government, more information about the guests at the upcoming ceremony:

"Abdication Ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace
[...]

The ceremony takes place in the presence of national dignitaries, including the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, the Deputy Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, Honorary Ministers of State Jean-Claude Juncker and Jacques Santer, as well as the Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer.

Foreign dignitaries attending the abdication include: Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands, accompanied by the Hereditary Princess, HRH Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange; Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, accompanied by the Hereditary Princess, HRH Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant; the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and her husband Ukko Metsola; and the President of the European Council, António Costa.

The siblings of HRH Grand Duke Henri and HRH Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, together with their spouses, as well as the suites of Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, are also in attendance.

During this ceremony, HRH Grand Duke Henri signs the Grand Ducal Act of Abdication, countersigned by the Prime Minister. A speech by the Prime Minister follows."​

Accession to the Throne - 3 October 2025

Following the appointment, on 8 October 2024, of HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke as Lieutenant-Représentant, Luxembourg celebrates a historic event.

gouvernement.lu

I like that the title "Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Duke of Nassau" was used (after all, Henri is also abdicating as head of the house of Nassau), the articles of the Constitution regulating abdication were cited, and the prime minister's agreement was highlighted in the Act of Abdication.

 

[iceflower]

Here's a gallery for today's celebration:


** gettyimages gallery ** gettyimages gallery 2 ** ppe gallery **


And here some live links with photos and videos:

https://www.wort.lu/panorama/luxemburg-thronwechsel-liveticker-guillaume-henri/94193810.html

Liveticker: Feierlechkeete ronderëm den Trounwiessel - Fotoen, Videoen a villes méi

De ganzen Trounwiessel iwwer war d'Online-Ekipp vun RTL.lu fir iech am Asaz.

www.rtl.lu

Guillermo de Luxemburgo, nuevo gran duque, tras la abdicación de su padre Enrique: en directo

Después de 25 años de reinado, arranca en el pequeño país europeo una nueva era

www.hola.com

LIVEBLOG: Tronskifte i Luxembourg

Følg med i den historiske dag i Luxembourg, hvor landet får en ny storhertug.

www.billedbladet.dk

 

[Tatiana Maria]

That felt to me like a short and mostly generic but still touching speech by Prime Minister Luc Frieden, emphasizing Henri’s dedication to his duty and the positives of national hereditary monarchy.

Interesting that he began his speech about this national event by thanking the foreign (Benelux and European Union) representation. I suppose it demonstrates Luxembourg’s international orientation.

“You [Henri] have always placed our social cohesion at the center of your priorities”: Does anyone know what Mr. Frieden might specifically have been alluding to?

“You have carried out this role with a perfect balance of dignity and warmth, seriousness and openness, dignity and humanity.” I wonder if the mention of “openness” may have caused some of the politicians and journalists in attendance to recall the canceled abdication press conference…

The prime minister defines “serving the country with unfailing loyalty” as the center of “modern monarchy”.

He praised Grand Duchess Maria Teresa “exemplary commitment to humanitarian causes in Luxembourg and abroad”; she seemed moved.

He referred to Guillaume and Stéphanie as (Long Live) Grand Duke and Grand Duchess although they will not officially become such until Guillaume swears his oath (see here: Celebrations for the Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume V: October 3 - 5, 2025). I believe the Belgian Prime Minister did the same at Albert II’s abdication, referring to Philippe as King immediately even though in Belgium, the successor likewise does not become King until the swearing-in.


About the procession and the inauguration ceremony which will start at 11 am:

"Swearing-in ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume​

​

Following the signing at the Grand Ducal Palace, the procession moves to the Chamber of Deputies for the swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume.​

​

The public session takes place in the plenary chamber, in the presence of the Members of Parliament, the members of the Government, the royal guests, and the foreign dignitaries. The Act is read before the Deputies, followed by an address by the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, and a speech by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler. The swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume then takes place, followed by the Throne Speech delivered by HRH the Grand Duke as Head of State, and the signing of the Golden Book."​

​

What happened to the regnal numeral "V"?

 

[Stefan]

He referred to Guillaume and Stéphanie as (Long Live) Grand Duke and Grand Duchess although they will not officially become such until Guillaume swears his oath (see here: Celebrations for the Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume V: October 3 - 5, 2025). I believe the Belgian Prime Minister did the same at Albert II’s abdication, referring to Philippe as King immediately even though in Belgium, the successor likewise does not become King until the swearing-in.

They are also already referred to as Grand Duke and Grand Duchess on the official homepage

 

[principessa]

Will Prince Charles be Hereditary Grand Duke after the swearing-in of his father or will there be another ceremony?

 

[Marengo]

Parlament is next to the palace. IIRC there is a connection between the two. For Guillaume's pre-wedding dinner the seats were removed so they had a hall large enough to sit [part of] the dinner party. Lack of space is perhaps why others were not invited -his cousins for example- and they focussed on a few. I haven't seen any relatives of Stéphanie either, but maybe there will be somebody in parlament.

Queen Máxima is accompanied by one of her ladies in waiting, Annemijn Crince le Roy- van Munster van Heuven. It seems the Queen of Belgium shares her husbands aide-de-camp.

​

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Will Prince Charles be Hereditary Grand Duke after the swearing-in of his father or will there be another ceremony?

Charles will automatically gain the titles of Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Hereditary Prince of Nassau at the moment his father is sworn in and (legally) becomes Grand Duke. See here for more information:

Titles, Styles and Names of the Grand Ducal Family

Does the “apparent” absence of letters patent mean the process of creating Felix a Prince of Nassau was never finished (if so, why)? Maybe he decided that he didn’t want to be a Nassau if it meant that he had to relinquish his Bourbon-Parma title.

www.theroyalforums.com

Parlament is next to the palace. IIRC there is a connection between the two. For Guillaume's pre-wedding dinner the seats were removed so they had a hall large enough to sit [part of] the dinner party. Lack of space is perhaps why others were not invited -his cousins for example- and they focussed on a few. I haven't seen any relatives of Stéphanie either, but maybe there will be somebody in parlament.

Thank you for the context. There is a logic to drawing the line at siblings: Under the house laws, membership of the Grand-Ducal House, which is more narrowly defined and has certain house-constitutional responsibilities as opposed to the much broader Grand-Ducal Family, is restricted to children of former and current heads of the house, children of the heir to the throne, and their approved spouses. (That said, I imagine Diane is accompanying Jean (?), even though she is not a member of the Grand-Ducal House as their marriage was not approved.)

 

[Stefan]

Parlament is next to the palace. IIRC there is a connection between the two. For Guillaume's pre-wedding dinner the seats were removed so they had a hall large enough to sit [part of] the dinner party. Lack of space is perhaps why others were not invited -his cousins for example- and they focussed on a few. I haven't seen any relatives of Stéphanie either, but maybe there will be somebody in parlament.

​

It was the same in 2000 but then the sisters of GD Jean did not attend. Only his children.
What is a pity that the sons of the new Grand Ducal Couple are not there, but then they are still very young.

 

[Adda]

Walk to the parliament.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1974032937948451050

Xavier Bettel is crying of joy. I'm not being sarcastic, I actually saw him crying. Hahahaha

 

[Marengo]

On one of the PPE photos you can see Elisabeth making a curtsy for Grand Duke Henri [upon arrival]. Although respectful I always thought HRH's don't curtsy to other HRH's?

It was the same in 2000 but then the sisters of GD Jean did not attend. Only his children.
What is a pity that the sons of the new Grand Ducal Couple are not there, but then they are still very young.

I imagine we will see them on the balcony. And perhaps for a photo moment near the throne on the platform in parlament.

The announcer in parlament made a mistake in translation by naming Philip and Mathilde, King and Queen of the Netherlands.

 

[Adda]

Prince Charles is there!

 

[Tatiana Maria]

What is the song that was just played? The national anthem?

 

[pkl]

On one of the PPE photos you can see Elisabeth making a curtsy for Grand Duke Henri [upon arrival]. Although respectful I always thought HRH's don't curtsy to other HRH's?

Princess of Orange also did that.

 

[Marengo]

What is the song that was just played? The national anthem?

No, it is the royal anthem. Also a Wilhelmus but completely different.

The tune was first played during a visit of King/ Grand-Duke Willem III and Queen/ Grand-Duchess Emma in 1883 but it had different lyrics [of the WIlhelmus perhaps]. The present lyrics date from 1919/1920. The melody is supposedly based on an old song of the Beggars (Geuzen). Note that the present tune of the Dutch Wilhelmus is not original either and can be traced back to a Huegenot song making fun of the Prince of Condé's siege of Chartres in 1568, later adapted by Valerius.

 

[Stefan]

On one of the PPE photos you can see Elisabeth making a curtsy for Grand Duke Henri [upon arrival]. Although respectful I always thought HRH's don't curtsy to other HRH's?

Probably because this HRH is an Head of State

 

[Mbruno]

Still in the Royal Highness versus Majesty issue, Guillaume is being addressed as "Monseigneur", as usual for a prince in the French tradition. Will he be addressed as "Sire" after being sworn in, or is the address "Sire" reserved only for kings?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

He referred to Guillaume and Stéphanie as (Long Live) Grand Duke and Grand Duchess although they will not officially become such until Guillaume swears his oath (see here: Celebrations for the Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume V: October 3 - 5, 2025). I believe the Belgian Prime Minister did the same at Albert II’s abdication, referring to Philippe as King immediately even though in Belgium, the successor likewise does not become King until the swearing-in.

They are also already referred to as Grand Duke and Grand Duchess on the official homepage

Very interestingly, both the Prime Minister and the President of the Chamber of Deputies claim Guillaume became Grand Duke when his father abdicated but will only become Head of State when he swears the oath.

So the government believes there is a difference between being Grand Duke and being Head of State? Not sure if that is supported by the law. (Though that is a discussion for another thread.)


Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s and President of the Chamber of Deputies Claude Wiseler’s speeches to the Deputies continued the themes from Frieden’s speech at the abdication (and were similarly short and sweet): the monarchy’s virtues of continuity through social change, symbolism of national identity, pride and unity.

Wiseler also invoked a more old-fashioned monarchist stance by praising the monarchy as defending the country against existential threats.

I like that both Frieden and Wiseler praised and mentioned Grand Duchess Charlotte and Grand Duke Jean – the historical continuity is in my opinion the best quality of a hereditary headship of state.

Again very prominent tributes to Belgium, the Netherlands and the European Union.

And again emphasizing the role of the Constitution and elected government and parliament in the monarchy and the transition.

 

[principessa]

Is Stephanies family invited for the gala dinner?

 

[Adda]

We have a new Grand Duke!

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Guillaume: “I swear to uphold the Constitution and the laws and to faithfully perform my constitutional duties.” He is now the reigning, head of state, Grand Duke.

Guillaume began his speech with “Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses”. Interesting, since this salutation places the Belgian and Netherlands monarchs ahead of the Luxembourg royals.

I adore that he opened with a quote from Grand Duchess Charlotte! And what an eloquent quote, especially “from whom I do not want to be separated by any barriers”... Interesting to think that the suffering of wartime is now remembered as the highest point of the bond between the monarchy and the people.

The first section of his speech seemed to consist of laying out his vision of a good monarch: remaining authentic, respecting values, seeking public acceptance, keeping up with rapidly changing world, etc. etc.

The second section was focused on current social conditions.
A specific shout-out to Luxembourg’s growing technology sector.
As Grand Duke, he would like to “be there for” Luxembourg’s foreign residents, about half the population, as well.
Highlighting the forthcoming AI revolution.
Calls on younger people especially to avoid technology-induced social withdrawal and remain involved in volunteering and community organizations.

Guillaume emphasized the “very important” role of the spouse of the head of state and said his mother carried out the role “perfectly”. A not so subtle defense of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa against the Waringo report etc.?

Ending with another emotional tribute to his ancestors Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Charlotte – again, perfect for a hereditary succession!

No, it is the royal anthem. Also a Wilhelmus but completely different.

The tune was first played during a visit of King/ Grand-Duke Willem III and Queen/ Grand-Duchess Emma in 1883 but it had different lyrics [of the WIlhelmus perhaps]. The present lyrics date from 1919/1920. The melody is supposedly based on an old song of the Beggars (Geuzen). Note that the present tune of the Dutch Wilhelmus is not original either and can be traced back to a Huegenot song making fun of the Prince of Condé's siege of Chartres in 1568, later adapted by Valerius.

Thank you!
Now that they played the national anthem, it sounds much more solemn than the royal anthem.

About the procession and the inauguration ceremony which will start at 11 am:

"Swearing-in ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume​

​

Following the signing at the Grand Ducal Palace, the procession moves to the Chamber of Deputies for the swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume.​

​

The public session takes place in the plenary chamber, in the presence of the Members of Parliament, the members of the Government, the royal guests, and the foreign dignitaries. The Act is read before the Deputies, followed by an address by the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, and a speech by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler. The swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume then takes place, followed by the Throne Speech delivered by HRH the Grand Duke as Head of State, and the signing of the Golden Book."​

​

Does anyone know what the Golden Book is?

 

[Stefan]

Were the sibling if Henri also present in Parliament? Could not spot them there during the coverage

 

[Mbruno]

Guillaume: “I swear to uphold the Constitution and the laws and to faithfully perform my constitutional duties.” He is now the reigning, head of state, Grand Duke.

Guillaume began his speech with “Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses”. Interesting, since this salutation places the Belgian and Netherlands monarchs ahead of the Luxembourg royals.

I believe that is the usual protocol when both kings and princes are in attendance.

Young Hereditary Grand Duke Charles seems to be in distress outside, especially with the noise. He should not have been required to attend perhaps.

 

[Marengo]

Lovely that the European anthem was also played. I believed they did so for Philippe as will in 2013.

The European institutions are well represented with Costa [Conseil] and Metsola [Parlament]. Von der Leyen [Commission] seems to be in Turin, though former commission president Jean-Claude Juncker is of course there, as a former PM of Luxembourg.

Poor prince Charles doesn't seem to enjoy the music outside. It is clear they are very hands-on parents.