Luxembourg was abuzz on Friday, October 3, 2025, as hundreds gathered, including esteemed European royals, to celebrate a momentous occasion: the enthronement of Grand Duke Guillaume. This historic event marked the end of his father Henri’s distinguished 25-year reign over the small but significant EU nation.
Dressed in a striking green military uniform adorned with a vibrant yellow sash, 43-year-old Guillaume formally ascended to the throne. The solemn ceremony took place at the parliament in the capital city, which shares its name with the nation.
Guillaume took his oath of service before an assembly of lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, and his visibly moved father, who was also in a matching uniform. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Henri listened to his son’s inaugural address.
Following the formal proceedings, the newly ascended Grand Duke and his wife, Grand Duchess Stephanie, were scheduled to greet the public in Luxembourg City’s historic district, as per the official program.
Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Guillaume, his wife Grand Duchess Stephanie, wave alongside Prince Charles during the enthronement celebrations in Luxembourg on October 3, 2025. (Photo Credit: Reuters)
Earlier in the day, the 70-year-old Henri formally signed his abdication documents at the Grand Ducal Palace. Dignitaries, including the Dutch and Belgian royal couples, were present to witness this significant transition.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg at the swearing-in ceremony for their son, Grand Duke Guillaume, at the Grand Ducal Palace. (Photo Credit: AP)
During the abdication ceremony, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden offered heartfelt praise, stating, “You have executed this role with an impeccable balance of dignity and warmth, seriousness and openness, formality and humanity.” He continued, emphasizing the nature of Henri’s service: “This role was not a choice you made; it was yours by birthright. Yet, the people of Luxembourg—indeed, all of us—could not have hoped for a more exemplary sovereign.”
A Nation’s Excitement
The tiny European nation, home to approximately 680,000 citizens, was illuminated with magnificent pomp and pageantry. Foreign dignitaries from across the globe converged on this financial hub to commemorate the truly historic event.
Television footage captured hundreds lining the streets, eagerly watching as esteemed guests, including European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola and European Council President Antonio Costa, made their way along a red carpet connecting the palace to the parliament following the abdication.
Belgium’s King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and their daughter, Crown Princess Elisabeth, pass the honor guard during the swearing-in ceremony of Luxembourg’s Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. (Photo Credit: Reuters)
Local businessman Nicolas Graas expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am very excited about these festivities.” He proudly mentioned that for weeks, he had been encouraging his American friends to tune in for the special occasion. “They should definitely watch television because, for once,” he quipped, “there will be a great deal of discussion about Luxembourg.”
Later, a grand gala dinner in Luxembourg City was anticipated to draw notable figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Guillaume now takes his place as the seventh sovereign of the esteemed House of Nassau-Weilburg. This royal lineage has presided over Luxembourg since 1890 and shares historical ties with the Dutch royal family.
The new Grand Duke, a father of two, is not anticipated to drastically alter the monarchy’s established traditions. In Luxembourg, the head of state primarily enacts laws and carries out ceremonial duties.
A Steady Hand, Not a “Whirlwind of Modernity”
Prime Minister Frieden highlighted Guillaume’s distinct background, noting, “The new Grand Duke is 30 years younger than his father and received his education in Luxembourg schools, a departure from his father, who had private tutoring.” He suggested that this could lead to “a new style, perhaps more open, yet still consistent with the legacies of his father and grandfather.”
Guillaume is the eldest of five children born to Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, the latter being the Havana-born daughter of a prosperous Cuban businessman who had lived in exile in Switzerland.
Belgian historian and monarchy expert Patrick Weber speculated on Guillaume’s potential influence, remarking, “Given his mother’s Cuban heritage, we might anticipate a more Latin, perhaps slightly warmer, approach from him.” However, Weber tempered expectations, adding, “But I don’t truly foresee a sudden whirlwind of modernity.”
Henri initiated the transition process in 2024, expressing a desire to “slow down” and reclaim “a certain freedom” after dedicating a quarter-century to the throne.
Guillaume’s education included studies in Luxembourg and Switzerland, followed by training at the prestigious Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in Britain. He further pursued his academic career, earning a double degree in arts and political science from the University of Angers in France.
Since 2012, Guillaume has been married to Countess Stephanie de Lannoy, a member of a noble Belgian family. She is renowned for her passion for art and literature and is fluent in French, Luxembourgish, German, and English.
The royal couple are proud parents to two sons: Charles, aged five, and Francois, aged two.
Festivities commemorating his accession to the throne are scheduled across the nation, culminating on Sunday.