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Luxembourg gets a new ruler: see how Grand Duke Guillaume took the throne on a day of royal history

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie

Luxembourg has a brand new Grand Duke following the abdication of the royal who had reigned there for a quarter of a century.

Grand Duke Henri stood aside in favour of his eldest son, now Grand Duke Guillaume.

The first official events included the abdication, the accession and swearing in of the new Grand Duke and a balcony appearance. A gala dinner is still to come.

Here are some of the stand out moments so far from Luxembourg’s day of history.

Abdication in the Grand Ducal Palace

Grand DUke Henri ahead of his abdication

Grand Duke Henri, with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, arrived at the palace in the heart of Luxembourg city just after 9.30am and greeted guests.

Grand Duke Henri stands next to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

Among those arriving were the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Maxima.

King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium stand outside the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg

Henri’s cousin, King Philippe of the Belgians, also attended with his wife, Queen Mathilde. Just moments before the clock struck ten, Grand Duke Henri walked into a state chamber with his wife. He had announced his plans to abdicate last Christmas Eve, following a long tradition within his royal family. At ten on the dot, he was invited to sign the abdication papers.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa beams with joy as her son becomes the ruler of the tiny country

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa couldn’t contain her joy as she looked at her son, now the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Grand Duke Henri struggles to hold back tears as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg thanks him for 25 years of service

A moving speech by the Prime Minister of Luxembourg almost brought the abdicated Grand Duke to tears.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

The new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess posed for an official photograph as they were applauded by their guests. Guillaume was now the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Formal ceremony in the Chamber of Deputies

Guillaume now had to take an oath of allegiance as Head of State of Luxembourg and a procession of guests made their way to the Chamber of Deputies next door to the royal palace.

Princess Claire wears a white trouser suit as she walks to the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg

Among them were his brothers and sister, led by the eldest of them, Prince Felix, who moves back up the line of succession to third after the accession.

Queen Maxima in beige and Princess Amalia in burgundy

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands got a huge cheer as she joined King Willem-Alexander and their daughter, Princess Amalia, on their way to the formal swearing in.

Grand Duchess Stephanie in powder blue as her husband takes the throne of Luxembourg

The large crowds chanted the name of the new Grand Duke ahead of his first public appearance since the accession and were soon rewarded with a smile and wave from the ruler and his consort.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg walks into the Chamber of Deputies wearing a burgundy dress

There was a surprise inside the Chamber of Deputies as the new heir to the throne, five year old Prince Charles, walked in to see his father become Head of State. Proud grandparents Henri and Maria Teresa took charge of the little prince.

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie sit on thrones in the Chamber of Deputies

Grand Duke Guillaume was sworn in and then made a moving speech in which he pledged his allegiance to Luxembourg. He was watched by the King and Queen of the Netherlands and by his near relations, King Philippe of the Belgians and his wife, Queen Mathilde.

Prince Charles hugs his dad, Grand Duke Guillaume

Prince Charles behaved perfectly but once his dad finished talking, he made a beeline for him and clung on for a hug.

Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg holds her son, Prince Charles

The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg were cheered back to the royal palace with Prince Charles at their side.

A balcony appearance and it’s packed at the palace

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie made their first balcony appearance since the accession soon afterwards with their younger son, two year old Prince Francois, joining them and Charles.

Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg smiles at his family as they wave from the balcony

Grand Duke Henri appeared overcome as the crowd kept cheering him as he joined his son and successor on the balcony.

Grand Duke Henri struggles to hold in tears as he appears on the royal balcony after abdicating

Henri and Maria Teresa’s other children joined the packed palace balcony as the cheering continued.

A person in the crowd takes a photo on their mobile phone of Luxembourg's royal family

There was also an appearance from the Dutch and Belgian royals who had joined the celebrations for the start of a new reign.

Three royal families appear on the balcony of Luxembourg's Grand Ducal Palace

A walkabout that wouldn’t end

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie settled their children inside the palace and made a quick change to walk to the City Hall for a civic reception.

Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg wears white for a civic reception following her husband's accession to the throne

The walkabout took longer than expected as big crowds turned out for them and they were presented with gifts. The couple were especially keen to say hello to the children who had come to see them.

The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg walk to the City Hall

At the City Hall, they and their guests signed the ”Golden Book’ to mark the occasion.

Grand Duke Guillaume bows his head after being congratulated on his accession

The celebrations continue into the evening with a gala dinner.

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.