Luxembourg is finalising large-scale preparations for the 4 October following the throne succession on 3 October, with nationwide festivities, artistic projects, and a 12-hour live broadcast showcasing both the new Grand Duke Guillaume and the country's people.
At Luxexpo, rehearsals are intensifying for the finale of the day: a 360-degree stage concert at the Glacis.
Event manager Laurent Loschetter explained that more than 30 Luxembourgish artists, from classical musicians to heavy metal bands and jazz to hip-hop performers, will take the stage for a 90-minute performance to close the day. He described it as the symbolic "first working day" of the new Grand Duke Guillaume, placing the people of Luxembourg centre stage.
Tour across Luxembourg
The couple will also embark on a nationwide tour, travelling from Grevenmacher to Wiltz, then Steinfort, Dudelange, and finally Luxembourg City. Dramaturge Ian De Toffoli explained that the idea was to put the people of Luxembourg in the spotlight, with the Grand Duke symbolically raising them onto the stage so the world can see them.
On this tour, Guillaume and Stéphanie will be accompanied by prominent "godparents", among them chef Léa Linster and former Tour de France winner Andy Schleck. Both attended recent briefings at Luxexpo in preparation for their roles.
Meanwhile, rehearsals in Dudelange are under way for an inclusive dance and music performance, while in Wiltz children and retirement home residents are painting plates decorated with crowns. Project leader Marc Scheer explained that the thousand plates will be fired and then used for a communal meal at a giant table in Wiltz on the big day.
Altogether, the celebration consists of 22 separate projects involving some 3,500 people. The public festivities, full of surprises, require strict planning to ensure everything runs smoothly, especially as RTL will broadcast live coverage for almost 12 continuous hours worldwide, according to Loschetter. He also pointed out that the transmission will only be interrupted briefly for the evening news, since other events around the globe also demand coverage.
Among the highlights will be the passage across the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, which will be transformed into a stage for 1,800 Luxembourgers and the new grand-ducal couple themselves.
RTL will return on Thursday with an in-depth feature on the preparations for the historic change of throne.
