Luxembourg witnessed a historic weekend as Grand Duke Henri officially abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, who has now taken the reins as the country’s new monarch. The transition marks the beginning of a new era after 25 years of Henri’s reign.
Amid the celebrations, the abdication ceremony, Guillaume’s oath before Parliament, a gala dinner, a nationwide tour, and a solemn Te Deum mass, members of the Grand Ducal family gathered in full force.
© Patrick van KatwijkAmong those present were two young royals who captured the public's attention, Prince Gabriel, 19, and Prince Noah, 18, the sons of Prince Louis and his former wife Tessy of Luxembourg, and nephews of the new Grand Duke.
© Patrick van KatwijkThe next-gen royals steal the show:
Representing the fresh face of the Luxembourg monarchy, Gabriel and Noah turned heads not only for their royal lineage but also for their charisma and style.
© Patrick van KatwijkGabriel, with his intellectual air and signature glasses, and Noah, the younger brother with tousled blond hair and charm, quickly became social media favorites and crowd pleasers.
© Patrick van KatwijkWhile neither is in line to inherit the throne, as their father, Louis, renounced his succession rights in 2006 upon marrying Tessy, a commoner, the brothers still hold princely titles. Both are styled as His Royal Highness Prince of Nassau and remain regulars at major state and family events such as National Day, weddings, baptisms, and now, this historic abdication and enthronement.
© Patrick van KatwijkGabriel was born shortly before his parents’ marriage, and while their relationship ended in a high-profile divorce in 2019, Louis and Tessy now maintain an amicable co-parenting dynamic. The couple met in 2004. Tessy was 19, and Louis had yet to come of age.
© Patrick van KatwijkDespite their privileged status, Gabriel and Noah have shown a grounded approach to royal life. In an interview last month with The Royal News Organization, Noah addressed the misconceptions that come with his title, explaining that while people "assume everything is handed" to him, he has to "work" for what he wants.
In 2024, both brothers were awarded the Legacy of Change medal in recognition of their humanitarian work, proof that this new generation of royals is carving its own meaningful path, with or without a crown.
