Royal duties

Future Queens in Luxembourg: Princess Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium attend first abdication ceremony

The Dutch and Belgian heirs joined their parents for the proclamation of Luxembourg’s new hereditary grand duke, marking a milestone in their royal journeys.

Princess Amalia and Princess Elisabeth at a gala dinner in 2023

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 3:42 PM EDTSEP 15, 2025, 3:42 PM EDT

Luxembuourg is readying for an important ceremony. On October 3rd, Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, is abdicating the throne for his eldest son and heir, Guillaume. Henri shared the news in 2024, preparing the country for the transition. Two future queens are expected to be a part of the historic occasion: Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium.

Princess Elisabeth and Amalia alongside Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Princess Estelle of Sweden and Prince Charles of Luxembourg

The Royal Houses of both states confirmed the news that the Princess of Orange and the Duchess of Brabant would be in attendance, accompanying their parents on the special occasion: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

The ceremony will take place at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg and will feature different parts of the ceremony, including a gala dinner that will take place that same evening, with Princess Amalia having already confirmed her attendance.

The official abdication ceremony will take place on October 3rd, beginning at 10 AM at the Grand Ducal Palace. The following hour, Prince Guillaume will be sworn in as the new Chief of State, with the official ceremony concluding with the Royal Family heading towards the balcony's palace to greet the public congregated outdoors.

Afterwards, there will be a private reception that will be attended by the foreign dignitaries, including King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Amalia.

Other European heads of state and representatives in attendance include Germany's President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the nation's First Lady, Elke Büdenbender. France's President and the First Lady, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, will also be in attendance.

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands and Princess Amalia of The Netherlands — Princess Amalia is the daughter of Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander

What comes next for Luxembourg?

Following the coronation, the Grand Duke Guillaume will travel to different regions of Luxembourg, preparing for his tenure as head of state. The new Great Dukes will conclude their trip at the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, where there will be music and other events celebrating the nation's culture.

Celebrations will conclude on October 5th, with a mass led by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich at the country's Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Prince Emmanuel, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Crown Princess Elisabeth, King Philippe - Filip of Belgium and Princess Eleonore pictured at the graduation ceremony of the university of Oxford, at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, United Kingdom, Tuesday 23 July 2024. The Crown Princess officially completed her three-year undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Lincoln College of the University of Oxford. BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP) (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) — Princess Elisabeth is the daughter of Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium