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Luxembourg’s royals get ahead of history as they switch up their website before throne is handed over

By
3rd October 2025
The home page of the Grand Ducal court of Luxembourg shows Prince Guillaume as sovereign

The royal family of Luxembourg got ahead of history as the country’s throne changed hands.

Grand Duke Henri abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Guillaume, at 10am on October 3 2025. However, at least five minutes before he signed the document marking the end of his reign, the modern chronicle of his royal dynasty had moved on.

The official webpage of the Grand Ducal Court placed Guillaume at its head before he had even assumed that position. Visitors logging on to follow history in the making found that the prince, 43, was already declared Grand Duke before the event had taken place.

The home page of the Grand Ducal court of Luxembourg shows Prince Guillaume as sovereign

The whole website was changed for the accession of Guillaume who officially became Grand Duke at 10.01am as his father signed the document.

The moment itself was marked by a smile between the two men and later by a hug.

The abdication ceremony itself was simple, taking place in a room of the Grand Ducal Palace.

Henri and his wife, Maria Teresa, arrived with Guillaume and his wife, Stephanie, while the King and Queen of the Belgians and the King and Queen of the Netherlands watched on from across the chamber.

Grand Duke Henri was invited to abdicate and took his seat at a gilded desk where he briefly looked at the document before signing. The Prime Minister of Luxembourg added his name to the document and, in that instant, Guillaume became Grand Duke.

The new ruler and his consort then walked to the neighbouring Chamber of Deputies where Grand Duke Guillaume was sworn in as Head of State.

Prince Charles of Luxembourg lays back in his chair during the accession of his father as Grand Duke
Prince Charles, heir to the throne of Luxembourg, takes a break during the accession of his father as Grand Duke

Among the witnesses to that was his five year old son, Prince Charles, who is now heir to the throne.

Following the official ceremonies, the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess made a balcony appearance before a quick change and a walk to the Town Hall through huge crowds. A civic reception marking the start of the new reign then took place.

A reign that began online several minutes before the reality.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.