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

[Moonmaiden23]

Stephanie will now have the Privilège du Blanc when she is received at the Vatican.

 

[taogg]

Hopefully we will see the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess making introductory visits across Europe once things begin to settle down.

Did Grand Duke Henri make such visits when he ascended the throne?

Stephanie will now have the Privilège du Blanc when she is received at the Vatican.

I really wish she had been Grand Duchess a few months ago, she would have worn white lace and dressed more appropriately.

 

[iceflower]

A lovely accession cover by French Point de Vue this week:

Point de Vue on Instagram: "🗞 À lire cette semaine dans votre nouvelle édition de Point de Vue… À LA UNE : 👑 AVÈNEMENT DU GRAND-DUC GUILLAUME - Le Luxembourg en fête Mais aussi : Willem-Alexander et Maxima des Pays-Bas à Toulouse - Les Orange char

45 likes, 2 comments - pointdevue on October 7, 2025: "🗞 À lire cette semaine dans votre nouvelle édition de Point de Vue… À LA UNE : 👑 AVÈNEMENT DU GRAND-DUC GUILLAUME - Le Luxembourg en fête Mais aussi : Willem-Alexander et Maxima des Pays-Bas à Toulouse - Les Orange charment la Ville rose...

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1975788245360238841

 

[iceflower]

A look back at last week's celebration:

Cour grand-ducale Luxembourg on Instagram: "🇱🇺 #TROUNWIESSEL | 04 Okt. 2025 - 📼 #Throwback to an unforgettable evening @villedeluxembourg 🤩 ©️ Maison du Grand-Duc ; ©️ @gouvernement.lu #famillegrandducale #grandducalfamily #courgrandducale #Luxemb

513 likes, 3 comments - courgrandducale on October 10, 2025: "🇱🇺 #TROUNWIESSEL | 04 Okt. 2025 - 📼 #Throwback to an unforgettable evening @villedeluxembourg 🤩 ©️ Maison du Grand-Duc ; ©️ @gouvernement.lu #famillegrandducale #grandducalfamily #courgrandducale #Luxembourg #luxembourgroyalfamily...

www.instagram.com

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Full transcript of the beautiful speech from the throne by Grand Duke Guillaume at his swearing-in:

https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/images-documents/actualites/2025/10/trounwiessel/03-trounwiessel/discours/chambre-grandduc-guillaume/discours-grand-duc-chambre-des-deputes-en.pdf

Excerpts:

I undertake to fulfil, with responsibility, integrity and dedication, the duties associated with his oath and prescribed by the Constitution. Our democracy needs strong institutions, and I am honoured to be a full part of them.

I therefore pledge to remain politically neutral and to defend our fundamental democratic principles steadfastly.

I solemnly swear to serve all the people of our country, and to act, in all circumstances, in the interests of the nation.

I promise always to listen and to work towards finding common solutions.

I will act with integrity, remain authentic, and serve our country with loyalty and honesty.

The Grand Duke embodies national unity and independence. In these challenging times, the monarchy has a vital role to play: listening attentively, building trust among the people, and strengthening social cohesion.

At the National Day celebrations last June, you reminded us that, in these times, legitimacy and authority no longer derive from function alone. They rest on collective acceptance, which guarantees the longevity of an institution.
[…]
I will strive to build bridges between people, thereby strengthening the cohesion of our society. Looking to the future, it is our shared values, our creativity and
our solidarity that shall carry us forward together.
[…]
We are facing many challenges: growing geopolitical tensions, a global economy that has become unpredictable once again, a spiral of disinformation that threatens our democracy, and the ever more visible impact of climate change. Meanwhile, war and poverty remain tragic constants.
[…]
Here in Luxembourg, we have what it takes to rise to the challenges of tomorrow. My hope is that we shall continue to work side by side, in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility. Building bridges is one of the Grand Duchy's great strengths. And our social stability remains a major asset for both our society and our economy.

We are at the dawn of a major technological revolution, driven by artificial intelligence. It will transform our lives, our environment, and even our democratic institutions.
[…]
In an increasingly digital world, we must cultivate human connections more than ever. For it is through dialogue and direct contact that true understanding of others is born, along with genuine empathy.
[…]
Yet today, our society is marked by a tendency towards withdrawal, often at the expense of care for others. That is why I call upon you – the young, but also the not-so-young – to continue your voluntary engagement in associations, municipalities, and the many clubs and circles of our social life.

The Grand Duchy has another unique asset: a multicultural and multinational population.
[…]
Together, these people represent almost half of our population and, along with the many cross-border workers from our neighbouring countries, they make a vital contribution to Luxembourg's prosperity. By this, I mean not only economic wealth, but also cultural wealth, which has had a significant impact on our country and has shaped our identity. As the new Grand Duke, I am proud to be there for them as well.
[…]
This unique context is, of course, not without its challenges. But I wish for us to build more bridges between communities – for us to truly live together, not merely side by side.

Our strength lies in our community and in the values we share.

I will therefore continue to commit myself wholeheartedly to supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, as well as those who, each day, stand by them. Our community is made up of all of us. Above all, I want to give a voice to those who are seldom heard, and whose lives are often marked by hardship.

[…] tomorrow evening, when we make our way across the bridge from the old to the new, from tradition to modernity, side by side with nearly two thousand people drawn from all corners of society, then, at that moment, upon the Red Bridge, I shall remember the promise I have made to the people of Luxembourg and to all our fellow citizens – and I shall recall, above all, the words of Grand Duchess Charlotte:

"I will live the life of my people, from whom I do not want to be separated by any barrier. I will share their joys and sufferings."

Full transcripts of the other speeches on October 3rd, all but one translated to English, and short samples, follow.


Speech by Prime Minister Luc Frieden at the abdication ceremony of Grand Duke Henri

https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/images-documents/actualites/2025/10/trounwiessel/03-trounwiessel/discours/premier-ministre/abdication/20250929-discours-aat25-abdication-en-final.pdf

Monseigneur,

Thank You for 25 years of service to Luxembourg, to our country and to its citizens – those born here and those who made it their home. You have always placed our social cohesion at the centre of Your priorities.
[…]
You have carried out this role with the perfect balance between dignity and warmth, seriousness and openness, formality and humanity.
[…]
For You have performed this duty with heart and soul. You have, quite literally, devoted Your entire life to serving our country with unfailing loyalty.

Speech by Prime Minister Luc Frieden at the swearing-in ceremony of Grand Duke Guillaume

https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/images-documents/actualites/2025/10/trounwiessel/03-trounwiessel/discours/premier-ministre/assermentation/20250929-discours-aat25-assermentation-en-final.pdf

Thus, Grand Duchess Charlotte embodied Luxembourg's independence and resistance during and after the Second World War.

The reign of Grand Duke Jean witnessed the economic and social development of the country, at the heart of the European project.

And under Grand Duke Henri, Luxembourg became one of the most international countries in the world, without losing its roots and traditions.

[…]

We don't know what the future holds for us. Yet today is not marked by uncertainty. On the contrary, it is a moment of confidence. For, Monseigneur, we know You.

Speech by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, at the swearing-in ceremony of Grand Duke Guillaume

https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/images-documents/actualites/2025/10/trounwiessel/03-trounwiessel/discours/president-chambre/avenement-031025-wiseler-version-finale-en.pdf

Your Royal Highness,
You are the first Grand Duke to take the oath of office since the new Constitution came into effect. Your institutional role is defined therein. “The Grand Duke is the Head of State. He represents the State. He is the symbol of national unity and independence”, as stated in Article 44.

[…]

You will be faced with different challenges than Your ancestors. The world in which we live today increasingly challenges the values which we hold dear and which form the foundations of our society. Democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights and, yes, even peace, are increasingly under threat. Our greatest challenge in the coming years will be to fight for what we stand for, for what we believe in and for what defines us: our values.

Our country will experience good times over the coming years, but also more difficult times. We are convinced that we can overcome these challenges. And this is so much easier when a country has a Head of State who will, come what may, defend the values of our country and our society: democracy, solidarity, freedom and respect.

The institution of the Grand Duke is a guarantee of stability.

Speech of the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer, at the welcome for the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess at the city hall

https://download.rtl.lu/2025/10/03/ecc9707cb0f5e4fd00a4c2f0098bc681.pdf

My Lord, today you are entering a city that has changed a great deal, and we are counting on you to support the extraordinary development that our city has undergone over the last few decades. 80,268 inhabitants at the end of 2000 - today we have more than 137,041 inhabitants, i.e. a 70% increase in the population. A cosmopolitan city with 70% non-Luxembourgers, where diversity is seen as an added value. So I would like to greet and say to Madam President of the European Parliament and Mr President of the European Council that you are on conquered ground, in a city with European DNA where Robert Schuman, the father of Europe was born and lived until he was 18 and it was in this house that the first meeting of the ECSC High Authority took place in 1952.

Translation source: Guillaume is the Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Gala dinner speech by Grand Duke Guillaume

https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/images-documents/actualites/2025/10/trounwiessel/03-trounwiessel/discours/diner-de-gala/discours-diner-de-gala-clean-en.pdf

When I took the oath of office this morning, I wanted to pause and reflect on a project very close to my heart. [...] I am, of course, speaking of Europe.

The values that inspire me are the very values that Europe embodies: solidarity, freedom, democracy and equality, together with respect for the rule of law and human dignity. Alongside our institutions, these values form the foundation of our democracies and lie at the heart of the European identity we share and are entrusted to preserve.

[...]

Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany, we represent the heart of Europe: five of the six countries that took the initiative to embark on this bold venture that has become the European Union.

[...]

Our country, modest in size yet resolutely open-minded, has made cooperation a founding principle and multilateralism a vocation. It is this Europe that we celebrate tonight: a Europe of values, a Europe of peace, a Europe which, despite headwinds, continues to believe in the strength of bonds and in the dignity of every nation. Only a strong and united Europe is capable of defending our way of life. This is not a matter of opinion, but a fundamental geostrategic reality.

More information on the celebrations:


“Altogether, the celebration consists of 22 separate projects involving some 3,500 people.”

12-hour live broadcast: Luxembourg gears up for throne succession celebrations on 4 October

Luxembourg is finalising large-scale preparations for the 4 October following the throne succession on 3 October, with nationwide festivities, artistic projects, and a 12-hour live broadcast showcasing both the new Grand Duke Guillaume and the country's people.

today.rtl.lu

Grand Duchess Stéphanie was missing from the first visit to Grevenmacher on Saturday October 3, even though she was originally listed to attend. I wonder what happened.

https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/follow-the-grand-duke-s-tour-of-luxembourg/95076506.html

The gala dinner menu was reported by various news outlets, presumably copied from a press release.

https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/take-a-look-inside-grand-duke-guillaume-s-gala-dinner/95076708.html

Guillaume and Stéphanie chose the menu for the enthronement gala dinner together with their chef, Pierre-Antoine Langhendries.

Starter: Sea bass and langoustine tartare with foie gras, avocado and pea mousse, lime cream

Main course: Veal tournedos “terroir” stuffed with porcini mushrooms, fine tart of baby vegetables and truffle jus

Dessert: Mango-passion fruit bavarois

The starter is the same as the one served during their wedding dinner. The slow-cooked veal for the main dish comes from Luxembourg, with the dessert served with edible gold powder for a royal touch.

Thanks. I wonder why Margaretha and husband were seated in the front row of that box along with Marie-Astrid and husband, while Jean and wife were with Guillaume and wife in the back row. I know that Jean and Margaretha are twins, but is Jean not the older twin and thus higher in the order of precedence?

On the other hand, at the abdication ceremony Jean was also behind Margaretha and ahead of their brother Guillaume in the seating order.

 

[Blog Real]

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