© Maison du Grand Duc
When Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume ascends the throne in October, his initials will gradually replace those of Grand Duke Henri on Luxembourg’s uniforms and coins, marking a visible shift in the country's symbols of state.
Having already been sworn in as Lieutenant-Representative ahead of Luxembourg's upcoming royal transition, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume's accession to the the throne will bring about a number of visual changes to the country, notably a new monogram and revised euro coins.
The official monogram of the Grand Duke can be spotted on uniforms of the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), the Grand Ducal police, and the army. However, its appearance may vary according to each sector. For example, the monogram, in the shape of a metal brooch, forms part of army and police uniforms, while for the CGDIS the monogram features on a specific rank indicated by uniform epaulettes, according to the Corps.
Given its particularity among specific ranks, the monogram does not form part of uniforms used for daily tasks.
A look into the regulations regarding ranks, uniforms, insignias, and attributes of CGDIS personnel sheds light on the location of the monogram on the uniform, stating that "on the shoulder scabbards and shoulder tabs, the rank insignia is surmounted by the gilded monogram of the Head of State". When the CGDIS was founded in 2018, the monogram was presented to the Grand Duke, who then gave his approval.
© CGDIS
HGD Guillaume's accession to the throne in October of this year will entail a change in the monogram, namely the "H" representing current Grand Duke Henri's name. The letter will thus give way to a "G" for "Guillaume".
According to the CGDIS, the new monogram has yet to be ordered and drafted, emphasising that it will probably not be on every uniform by the beginning of October.
New look for coins
Prince Guillaume's accession to the throne will also entail changes in other objects of daily use, such as the engraving of Euro coins. The Central Bank of Luxembourg (BCL) confirmed that it was commissioned by PM Luc Frieden and Finance Minister Gilles Roth with the task of producing new coins featuring the image of future Grand Duke Guillaume.
Grand Duke Henri presenting an example of the first Luxembourg euro coins minted at a ceremoy in the Royal Dutch Mint in Utrecht on 27 June 2000. / © AFP
However, the BCL does not expect the coins to circulate before 2026.
Information regarding these changes was also requested from the Grand Ducal Court, which explained that more details and pictures would be disclosed shortly before Prince Guillaume's accession to the throne.
