Guillaume has officially been sworn in as Luxembourg’s new Grand Duke, following the abdication of his father, Henri, who served for 25 years. The ceremony took place in the Chamber of Deputies and was attended by various royal couples and European institutional leaders.
Historical Transition of the Throne
Guillaume, now 43 years old, becomes the seventh sovereign of the Nassau-Weilbourg dynasty, which has ruled Luxembourg since 1890. His ascension comes as the nation, with a population of over 670,000—approximately 47% of whom are foreigners—celebrates this significant change known as the “Trounwiessel,” or “Change of the Throne” in Luxembourgish.
Details of the Ceremony
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Location: Chamber of Deputies, Luxembourg
- Former Grand Duke: Henri, aged 70
- Next Official Events: A gala dinner attended by notable figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Guillaume’s Background and Vision
Guillaume’s background includes a unique multicultural heritage; his mother, Maria Teresa, is Cuban. This diverse upbringing may influence his approach as Grand Duke, with expectations of a more open style while maintaining continuity with his predecessors.
The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, remarked on Guillaume’s educational background, noting he is more attuned to the Luxembourgish educational system compared to his father. This change is expected to reflect in his governance style.
Personal Life
Guillaume married Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy in 2012. She is from a Belgian noble family and is fluent in multiple languages, including French, Luxembourgish, German, and English. Together, they have two sons, Charles and François.
Future of the Monarchy
While the new Grand Duke’s ascension signals fresh energy, experts like Belgian historian Patrick Weber caution against expecting a dramatic shift in the monarchy’s role. The tasks of representation and law promulgation will continue to be central to the Grand Duke’s responsibilities in Luxembourg’s parliamentary democracy.
Henri’s decision to abdicate was influenced by his desire for more personal freedom after nearly a quarter-century on the throne. In 2024, he initiated the transition process, setting the stage for a new era under Guillaume’s leadership.
