Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will be the fourth consecutive Sovereign of the world’s only Grand Duchy to Abdicate this week, continuing the decades-old practice of Abdication in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg!
In 1919, Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde was forced the Abdicate her Throne due the political upheaval on the capitulation of Luxembourg to the German Empire during the World World War, She was succeeded by her sister, Grand Duchess Charlotte, and joined a convent but passed away of influenza shortly before her 30th Birthday.
Following an eventful reign, which included tough years in exile during the Second World War, Grand Duchess Charlotte (wearing the Luxembourg Empire Tiara) was a respected world leader when she abdicated in favour of her son, Grand Duke Jean, in 1964, afterwards remaining in retirement until her death in 1985.
By the time Grand Duke Jean announced his intention to Abdicate in the late 1990s, it had become an accepted practice among the Benelux Royal Family and was phased out with the appointment of the Hereditary Grand Duke as the ‘Lieutenant-Representative’ in 1998 ahead of the Abdication in 2000.
Grand Duke Henri announced his possible Abdication on a State Visit to Belgium last year and following Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume being appointed the ‘Lieutenant Répresentant’ of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, it has been a the faster transition period than the past, though it does neatly tie in with the Grand Duke’s 70th Birthday and 25th Anniversary of his Reign.
The Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg has announced the details of the ceremonies marking the Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg this week, upon the Abdication of Grand Duke Henri.
Following the Abdication of the Grand Duke Henri at the Palais Grand Ducal, Grand Duke Guillaume will be Sworn-In at the Chamber of Deputies, before appearing on the Palace Balcony, and holding a Gala Dinner at the Palais Grand Ducal.
October 3
- Abdication ceremony of HRH Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace (10.00 am)
- Appearance of the Grand Ducal Family on the Balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace (12.15 pm)
- Welcome at the City Hall by the mayor of the City of Luxembourg (01.05 pm)
- Meeting of the new Grand Ducal Couple with the public on Place Guillaume II (01.25 pm)
- Reception at the Cercle Cité hosted by the Government (01.50 pm)
- Gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace (07.15 pm )
Foreign Dignitaries
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands with the Princess of Orange
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium with the Duchess of Brabant
The Presidents and First Ladies of France and Germany will only attend the Gala Dinner
President of the European Parliament
President of the European Council
October 4
On October 4th, Grand Duke Guillaume and the Grand Duchess will pay “tribute to the people of the Grand Duchy and celebrate their diversity, skills, achievements, and the richness of their cultural and community life.” On a visit five locations representative of the diversity of Luxembourg society.
In Grevenmacher, he will meet members of civil society, both volunteers and professionals, who are committed to promoting and highlighting sports and athletes of all ages.
In Wiltz, he will honour the diversity and community spirit by taking part in a convivial event. A participatory video installation will highlight the many nationalities living in the country, as well as its cultural generosity, through an original musical performance.
In Steinfort, he will pay tribute to the kindness and solidarity that characterise society, meeting with healthcare staff and patients of the Intercommunal hospital. Through them, all those who serve society tirelessly, even during festive periods, will be honoured.
In Dudelange, he will attend a dance performance tracing the transformations of society across the country and the cultural creativity that has flourished on the fertile ground of its industrial past.
- Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge & Glacis Square
The grand finale will take place on the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, a symbol of the capital and of the resilience of Luxembourg society. The future Grand Duke Guillaume and the future Grand Duchess Stéphanie, accompanied by a dynamic orchestral performance, will walk onto the bridge surrounded by a cross-section of society and a multicoloured ballet of trams. This will be followed by a custom-designed drone show on the Glacis Square, along with a unique concert showcasing the diverse talents of Luxembourg’s musical scene.
October 5
The Accession Celebrations will end with a Te Deum at the Cathedral of “Notre-Dame de Luxembourg” on October 5th, presided over by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich
