© Jeannot Ries / RTL
Around 400 journalists have registered to cover the event, with images set to be broadcast worldwide.
The upcoming throne accession or "Trounwiessel" in Luxembourg is attracting interest far beyond the country's borders. Preparations are in full swing to ensure everything runs seamlessly on Friday during the official ceremony, and on Saturday as Grand Duke-to-be Guillaume is welcomed in five cities across the country. On Sunday, the new Grand Duke will attend the Te Deum service.
On Wednesday afternoon, the government's press service, the Maison du Grand-Duc, Luxembourg City authorities, and the police reviewed every step of the programme. Every detail counts, not least because hundreds of reporters, photographers and camera crews will need to be guided throughout the weekend.
"All major news agencies will be present, which of course is very encouraging. It shows that Luxembourg's image abroad sparks real international interest. On top of that, lifestyle magazines such as Bild, Bunte, Gala, and Point de Vue have also confirmed their presence, which shows there's interest from that angle too," said Stefanie Simonelli from the government's press service.
To manage the global broadcast, the government has commissioned RTL and BCE as host broadcasters. This is an extraordinary production for Luxembourg, involving 187 technicians and camera operators over the three-day event.
"This will be one of the biggest productions in Europe this year, with 137 cameras. There’s really nothing comparable, because this is such a unique occasion," explained Laurent Schiltz, chief producer for the host broadcaster.
Six outside broadcast trucks will ensure international coverage, supplemented by RTL's own technical set-up.
According to Tom Weber, RTL's Chief Technology Officer, "usually we are in the studios. This time we decided to be outside. That means we set up a big container village here in front of the Palace, where we have our studios. But it also houses the photographers from the Information and Press Service, our sign language interpreters, and so on. So this time we are really completely outside for the first time in years. We're also doing the news from outside for once."
Between Friday and Sunday, RTL will provide 22 hours of live coverage: starting Friday morning at 9.30am, a marathon broadcast on Saturday from noon until midnight, and concluding on Sunday morning from 10.30am onwards.
