© SIP/ Ville de Luxembourg
From Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October, Luxembourg celebrated the historic accession of Grand Duke Guillaume with three days of national festivities marked by solemn ceremonies, emotional tributes, and a spectacular symbolic show on the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge that brought together thousands of people across the country.
Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume
The defining moment came on Friday, 3 October, when Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume officially became Head of State of Luxembourg by swearing before the Chamber of Deputies to uphold the Constitution and serve the country faithfully. The ceremony gathered PM Luc Frieden and his government coalition of Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and Democratic Party (DP), the MPs of the opposition, and European leaders such as Roberta Metsola and Antonio Costa, as well as members of the Dutch and Belgian royal families and Guillaume's parents, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
All of Luxembourg was watching closely to discover what kind of monarch Guillaume would be. His father's announcement in 2024 that he would abdicate in October 2025 had taken many by surprise. Now, at 43 and after years of preparation, Guillaume appeared confident and ready to take on his constitutional role.
© Steve Müller / RTL
Building bridges
In his inaugural address, Guillaume pledged to fulfil his duties with integrity and impartiality, promising to serve all inhabitants of the country and act always in the nation's best interest. He emphasised the values of openness and dialogue, saying he wanted to be a Grand Duke who "builds bridges between generations, between tradition and innovation".
He called for unity in an uncertain world, reminding people that Luxembourg has the strengths to meet future challenges through solidarity and shared responsibility. Speaking to young people growing up in the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence, he urged them to preserve human connections, insisting that true understanding and empathy are born from direct dialogue.
A radiant Grand Duke
Whether in formal attire or a simple suit, Guillaume appeared approachable and relaxed throughout the celebrations, smiling, shaking hands, and even high-fiving children along the route after his enthronement. Despite the long and demanding days, he radiated enthusiasm and accessibility.
Carole Weigel, mayor of Wiltz, described him as "a very kind person", while Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber, expressed hope that Guillaume would "never lose the enthusiasm he has always shown in his public duties".
During the handover ceremony, Frieden, Wiseler, and Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer all paid tribute to Grand Duke Henri's 25 years of service. Henri, visibly moved by the public ovation under the palace balcony, had already given his son a heartfelt message of love and confidence the previous year, wishing him the best in his new role. After taking his oath, Guillaume's first embrace was for his father.
© Domingos Oliveira / RTL
Public shows up in force
Neither widespread media coverage nor the chilly October weather stopped crowds from gathering for the historic moments. On Saturday evening, the Glacis square was packed for the large concert featuring Luxembourgish artists, while earlier that day, residents in Grevenmacher, Wiltz, and Dudelange had warmly welcomed the new Grand Ducal couple during their national tour.
The most iconic image of the weekend was the cheering crowd beneath the palace balcony: grateful, emotional, and eager to show support for the Grand Ducal family. Many people told RTL that they were proud to witness a historic moment that "only happens once every 25 years".
© Domingos Oliveira / RTL
Prince Charles wins everyone's heart
The unexpected star of the weekend was Prince Charles, Guillaume and Stéphanie's five-year-old son. His charming antics, such as covering his ears at the sound of the military band, swinging his legs on the velvet chair next to his grandmother, or waving to the crowd, melted hearts and stole the spotlight. His cheerful presence added a family warmth to the historic occasion.
A symbolic crossing for the nation
The highlight of the celebrations was the grand show on the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, commonly known as the Red Bridge, connecting Luxembourg's old town with Kirchberg. The two-hour musical spectacle unfolded across eight tram stations, each themed around unity, sport, creativity, and Europe.
As Guillaume crossed the bridge bearing his great-grandmother's name, surrounded by nearly 2,000 participants representing the diversity of Luxembourg, the act symbolised a passage from past to future, from tradition to modernity, Guillaume said. The new Grand Duke reaffirmed his promise to live among the people, guided by Grand Duchess Charlotte's famous words: "I will live the life of my people, from whom I wish to be separated by no barrier. I will share their joys and their sorrows."
Challenges behind the scenes
Storm Amy brought strong gusts and a yellow weather alert on Saturday, forcing organisers to make last-minute adjustments and even cancellations or postponements of daytime performances at the Glacis. The evening drone show, which almost had to be called off, went ahead successfully, though police intervened several times to stop unauthorised drones flying near the bridge.
As for the overall cost of the event, the final figure remains to be revealed. Dudelange Mayor Dan Biancalana explained that the city had approved an extraordinary loan of €500,000 to support the celebrations but would likely not use the full amount. Meanwhile, Sasha Baillie, Marshal of the Court, confirmed that the complete budget for the three-day celebration "will be disclosed as soon as possible".
