Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie made their second of five planned Joyeuse Entrée appearances since their succession to the throne, travelling to Troisvierges on Friday.

The visit was met with great enthusiasm from locals, reflecting the region’s deep affection for the new Grand Ducal couple and the particular ties of the Grand Duchess’s family to the area.

The couple arrived in Troisvierges at 4pm to the sound of the national anthem, the “Wilhelmus”. After being welcomed by Mayor Edy Mertens, they signed the municipality’s golden book.

A light-hearted moment followed as the couple emerged to greet a group of schoolchildren and one child called out “Hey Guillaume!”, prompting the Grand Duke to respond with a high-five.

The festivities continued with a procession to the local Franciscan church, a site of historical significance to the Grand Duchess’s family, as explained by priest Michel Meyer.

The Counts of Clervaux invited the Franciscans here, and for a time this church was the burial place for Clervaux’s rulers, Meyer detailed. Members of the de Lannoy family, who are ancestors of the Grand Duchess, are also laid to rest at the same place.

Although their remains were later moved to the Loretto Chapel just before the French Revolution, "this church still contains her family’s lineage", he further explained.

Despite this, the couple did not stop to visit monuments inside the church – their focus during the tour was to meet as many residents as possible.

Local officials estimated that over 1,000 people had travelled to Troisvierges for the occasion. The crowds responded with warmth and excitement, expressing their appreciation for both the festive atmosphere and the new Grand Duke and Duchess.

Attendees described the couple as approachable and kind, noting the sense of pride and community the event inspired.

“They are very nice, it’s a lovely atmosphere here in Troisvierges”, one resident commented.

Another added that the whole municipality was involved in organising the event and that the region has a lot to offer for the Grand Duke and Duchess.

Others praised the cheerful mood, the elegant dress of attendees, and how well the town presented itself. “The large turnout shows just how popular the new Grand Duke is, Troisvierges truly welcomes him”, a local concluded.

In addition to performances on Place Nicolas Adames, primary schoolchildren contributed a presentation on local history inside the cultural centre.

The Burrigplatz was long believed to be the highest point in Luxembourg, a student explained. Now, Kneiff near Wilwerdange holds that title, but "Burrigplatz and its tower remain a symbol of Huldange”.

Before their departure, the royal couple mingled with well-wishers once more.

As the event drew to a close, Mayor Mertens presented them with two gifts: a handcrafted wooden bookcase and a painting depicting a typical Oesling landscape, to ensure they would always remember their visit to the far north. Judging by the reception, it is unlikely that this day will be quickly forgotten by either the royals or their hosts.

Due to the high temperatures, the visit was shortened by about two hours, but the celebrations in Troisvierges nonetheless lived up to expectations.