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.
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.
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.