National day 2026 – Eve

To mark the public celebration of the birthday of HRH the Grand Duke, TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, together with members of the government, attend festivities organised in Differdange and Luxembourg City on 22 and 23 June 2026.

22 June 2026

Changing of the guard in front of the Grand Ducal Palace

The National Day festivities kick off on Monday, 22 June, at 4 pm in front of the Grand Ducal Palace with the traditional Changing of the Guard, in which an army honour detachment consisting of two platoons under the command of Lieutenant Lynn Hermes takes part.

The musical arrangement is provided by the Military Band, conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-Claude Braun, Head of the Military Band.

The Grand Ducal couple in Differdange

As part of this year's festivities, TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess visit Differdange.

At 5 pm, the Grand Ducal Couple is welcomed near Gerlache Park by Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber of Deputies, Marc Spautz, Minister of Labour and representative of the Government, and Guy Altmeisch, Mayor of the City of Differdange. The Municipal Band of Differdange and the Niederkorn Brass Band jointly perform the Wilhelmus.

TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess take their seats in the official stand to watch a parade of around ten local associations. Also attending the event are Claude Meisch, Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning, Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, representatives of the Chamber of Deputies, members of the municipal council of the City of Differdange, and representatives of Differdange’s twin towns. On this occasion, the Grand Ducal Couple is presented with a work by steelworker and sculptor Jhang Meis, creator of the statue "Eternity", as well as an embroidery by Louise Aimard, a hand embroidery artist.

The programme also includes the lighting of the scout campfire by the Sainte-Barbe Guides and Scouts of Differdange and the unveiling of a floral clock bearing the monogram of HRH the Grand Duke.

The visit concludes at Market Square (Place du Marché) with an official ceremony, including an address by the Mayor of Differdange, Guy Altmeisch. 

Message from the Prime Minister

In the early evening of 22 June, Prime Minister Luc Frieden gives the traditional National Day speech.

Torchlight procession and fireworks in Luxembourg

In the evening, TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess attend the festivities organised by Luxembourg City.

The Grand Ducal Couple is welcomed on Place Guillaume II by the Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer, and the First Alderman, Maurice Bauer. Following the presentation of the College of Aldermen and the Municipal Council, TRH the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess attend a musical performance by the Military Band as well as the traditional torchlight procession.

The procession of associations taking part in the torchlight procession, comprising around 2,800 participants, includes firefighters, various local sports and music associations from the City of Luxembourg, guides and scouts, as well as multicultural singing, dance and folklore groups. Bringing together participants from a wide range of backgrounds, the procession showcases the full breadth of the country's cultural diversity and highlights the traditions, talents and values that contribute to its richness and identity.

The 17-minute fireworks display, launched from the Adolphe Bridge and accompanied by a musical composition by Erny Delosch, concludes the official programme of the 22 June festivities.

Press release by the Information and Press Service (SIP)