At 11.16am on Friday, Grand Duke Guillaume was officially named Luxembourg's head of state, before making his first appearance at the palace's iconic balcony.
After the swearing-in ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies, the new Grand Duke returned to the palace, where he emerged on the balcony to greet the assembled crowd at 12.15pm. He was joined by his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, and his young sons, Prince Charles and Prince François, as they waved to onlookers.
Guillaume's siblings also joined the family on the balcony, eventually followed by the former Grand Ducal couple, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and the Dutch and Belgian monarchs.
The couple later made their way on foot to the Luxembourg City town hall, where they were greeted by mayor Lydie Polfer at 1.05pm. They signed the capital's golden book before the onlooking crowd.
'I'm sure you will master this in an exemplary manner': Lydie Polfer
In a speech, Polfer told the new Grand Duke that she believed him to be well prepared for his responsibilities. "We are counting on you to embody the symbol of our unity, our stability and our independence, internally and externally, in the interest of our citizens' well-being."
The mayor went on to highlight Grand Duke Guillaume's openness, his eagerness to listen to people, his warmth, his experience on economic missions, and his pronounced social commitment. "I'm sure you will master this in an exemplary manner," she said.
Polfer also said she was counting on the new Grand Duke to continue to accompany the capital through its evolution. Luxembourg City has experienced extraordinary development over the last few decades, rendering it a cosmopolitan city, as 70% of the population is made up of non-Luxembourgers. Diversity is an added value, she concluded.
At 1.25pm the Grand Ducal couple began making their way to the Cercle Cité, stopping to interact with members of the public en route.
At 1.50pm a reception followed at the Cercle Cité with members of the government.
On Friday evening, the couple will attend a gala dinner at the palace at 7pm, to conclude the first day of celebrations.
