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Accession to the Throne - 3 October 2025
Following the appointment, on 8 October 2024, of HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke as Lieutenant-Représentant, Luxembourg celebrates a historic event: the abdication of HRH Grand Duke Henri and the accession to the throne of HRH Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, on Friday, 3 October 2025.
To follow the livestream on 3 October 2025, please click here.
Abdication Ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace
Proceedings begin with the signing of the Grand Ducal Act of Abdication by HRH Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace.
Gallery 1
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Photo de groupe
© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
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Cérémonie d’abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© SIP / Julien Warnand
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Palais grand-ducal – Cérémonie d'abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
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Palais grand-ducal – Cérémonie d'abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
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Palais grand-ducal – Cérémonie d'abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© SIP / Julien Warnand
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Palais grand-ducal – Cérémonie d'abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
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Photo de groupe
© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
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Palais grand-ducal – Cérémonie d'abdication de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc
© SIP / Julien Warnand
The ceremony takes place in the presence of national dignitaries, including the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, the Deputy Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, Honorary Ministers of State Jean-Claude Juncker and Jacques Santer, as well as the Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer.
Foreign dignitaries attending the abdication include: Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands, accompanied by the Hereditary Princess, HRH Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange; Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, accompanied by the Hereditary Princess, HRH Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant; the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and her husband Ukko Metsola; and the President of the European Council, António Costa.
The siblings of HRH Grand Duke Henri and HRH Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, together with their spouses, as well as the suites of Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, are also in attendance.
During this ceremony, HRH Grand Duke Henri signs the Grand Ducal Act of Abdication, countersigned by the Prime Minister. A speech by the Prime Minister follows.
Swearing-in ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume
Following the signing at the Grand Ducal Palace, the procession moves to the Chamber of Deputies for the swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume.
The public session takes place in the plenary chamber, in the presence of the Members of Parliament, the members of the Government, the royal guests, and the foreign dignitaries. The Act is read before the Deputies, followed by an address by the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, and a speech by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler. The swearing-in of HRH Grand Duke Guillaume then takes place, followed by the Throne Speech delivered by HRH the Grand Duke as Head of State, and the signing of the Golden Book.
Appearance of the Grand Ducal Family on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace
At the close of the ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies, the Grand Ducal Family, accompanied by foreign and national dignitaries, returns to the Grand Ducal Palace. The new Grand Ducal Couple, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Prince François, appears on the balcony to greet the public. They are joined by Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, together with the Belgian and Dutch Royal Families.
The public is then invited to gather on Place Guillaume II. The new Grand Ducal Couple and guests walk from the Grand Ducal Palace to the Town Hall, where a formal session is held, including an address by the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer, and the signing of the Golden Book.
Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess then meet the public during a walkabout on Place Guillaume II, before proceeding on foot to the Cercle Cité.
Government Reception at the Cercle Cité
At the Cercle Cité, the Government hosts a reception for European and national institutions as well as the diplomatic corps, resident and non-resident. Guests file past the new Grand Ducal Couple, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, to greet Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.
Meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Luc Frieden
On the sidelines of the official ceremonies, the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, receives the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, for a bilateral meeting at Senningen Castle.
Gala Dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace
The day concludes with a gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace, attended by numerous guests, including the Dutch and Belgian Royal Families, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and his spouse, Brigitte Macron, as well as the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his spouse, Elke Büdenbender. The President of the Chamber of Deputies, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister, accompanied by their spouses are also present.
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