Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg will take the throne this Friday. This summer’s event was the biggest such dispute in the history of the European country. He will succeed his father, Grand Duke Henri, who has reigned since 2000. This transition marks the first change in Luxembourg’s monarchy in 25 years.
The formal ceremony will take place inside the Chamber of Deputies. There, Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg will be sworn in as his country’s new Grand Duke. Following the ceremony, he will appear on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace to greet the public. With this traditional gesture, his reign begins on a high note.
The new Grand Duke Prince Guillaume, 41, is the eldest son of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. His mother, who was born in Cuba, adds a different cultural flavour to the Grand Ducal family. Prince Guillaume has spent his whole life preparing for this historic moment. He has spent most the time with his family in Berg Castle in Colmar-Berg, a beautiful historic castle that has long served as Luxembourg’s royal family seat.
In preparation for his ascension, a privately funded annexe has been built next door to the Berg Castle. This addition nicely carves out the residential space Prince Guillaume and his family require. It prepares them to welcome their new royal responsibilities. He is married to Stephanie de Lannoy, fellow ecologist married in 2012. The couple has two children: five-year-old Prince Charles and two-year-old Prince François.
Prince Guillaume doesn’t make this international royal journey alone. He walks this path along with his four siblings, each of whom plays a unique role in the Grand Ducal family. His siblings are Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Sebastien. Collectively, they play an important role in reinforcing the history and identity of the specifically Luxembourg monarchy.
Grand Duke Henri acceded to the throne when he was 39 years old. His reign started following the abdication of his grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte. Under his leadership, Luxembourg went as far as possible in terms of symbolic and literal development and modernization, setting the stage for his son’s future efforts.
Prince Guillaume has been actively gearing up to assume his new responsibilities. He will inherit a daunting legacy and a country that has prospered during his father’s 38-year reign. His ascension brings with it the hope that he will build on the Grand Ducal family’s long-standing devotion to public service and national representation.
That makes the upcoming coronation ceremony one of the most anticipated events by citizens and royal watchers around the world. It represents more than a family change, it is a period of national pride, as the small nation continues to celebrate its grand history. As the country gets ready for this momentous day, anticipation continues to grow over what Prince Guillaume’s reign will have in store.
