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, with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, arrived at the palace in the heart of Luxembourg city just after 9.30am and greeted guests.
Among those arriving were the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Maxima.
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 couldn’t contain her joy as she looked at her son, now the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
A moving speech by the Prime Minister of Luxembourg almost brought the abdicated Grand Duke to tears.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 behaved perfectly but once his dad finished talking, he made a beeline for him and clung on for a hug.
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 Henri appeared overcome as the crowd kept cheering him as he joined his son and successor on the balcony.
Henri and Maria Teresa’s other children joined the packed palace balcony as the cheering continued.
There was also an appearance from the Dutch and Belgian royals who had joined the celebrations for the start of a new reign.
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.
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.
At the City Hall, they and their guests signed the ”Golden Book’ to mark the occasion.
The celebrations continue into the evening with a gala dinner.
