The throne that will be used by the newest ruler in Europe has been unveiled just hours before he takes power.
Prince Guillaume is set to become Grand Duke of Luxembourg on the morning of October 3 2025 when his father, Henri, steps aside in his favour,
With the final countdown under way, the Luxembourg royals unveiled a key part of the start of Guillaume’s reign: his throne.
The future ruler has chosen a throne with truly historic links. This same piece was used by his grandfather, the much loved Grand Duke Jean, during his own swearing in as ruler in 1964.
Before that, Jean’s mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, used this throne for many important moments of her reign.
The symbolism of the throne is striking. This ties Guillaume to two of the most popular and successful rulers in his dynasty’s history.
However, the throne is most definitely his now. Once he had decided that he would use it, it was restored and refurbished and this process included branding it with the monogram he will use as Grand Duke.
The throne itself is a 19th century creation. It is one of a number of pieces designed for the Great Hall of Knights in the Castle of Berg which was designed in the 1850s.
Berg is now a private residence and is currently home to Grand Duke Henri who will abdicate in favour of Guillaume on October 3 2025.
(Cour Grand Ducal)
Henri has become something of an invisible figure in the final run up to his abdication as the Grand Ducal Court puts the spotlight firmly on his successor.
Guillaume and his wife, Stephanie, are popular and have had a high profile in recent years. They live at Fischbach Castle with their two young children, 2 year old Prince Francois and Prince Charles, who at the age of five is about to become the youngest heir to a throne in Europe.
Three days of events will mark the change in royal power in Luxembourg. Grand Duke Henri, who announced his plans to step aside on Christmas Eve 2024, will formally abdicate on the morning of October 3 2025 with the new Grand Duke, Guillaume, making an oath of allegiance in the country’s parliament soon afterwards. Along with the new Grand Duchess, he will then appear on the balcony of the Grand Ducal palace.
A gala dinner will be held that same evening, attended by the Luxembourg royal family as well as the King and Queen of the Belgians, with their eldest child, Princess Elisabeth, and the King and Queen of the Netherlands whose own first born, Princess Amalia, will also be in attendance.
The presidents of France and Germany will also be at the gala dinner.
On October 4 2025, the new Grand Duke and Duchess will tour Luxembourg and on October 5 they will lead their royal family at a special service at Luxembourg’s cathedral.
