Preparations are under way in Troisvierges as excitement builds for the visit of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie on Friday at 4pm in northern Luxembourg, as part of their Joyous Entry tour.
Mayor Edy Mertens said the visit came as a surprise. The municipality was contacted at the beginning of the year and informed that the Grand Ducal couple wished to come to Troisvierges. Honoured by the request, the municipality agreed without hesitation.
Following the town hall reception, the Grand Ducal couple will be treated to a performance of "Kanner aus dëser Welt" by 90 school children from cycles 2 to 4. Teacher Vanessa Simoes told RTL on Thursday morning during rehearsals outside the municipal building that the song – originally a German piece – was translated into the local northern dialect by a former school president. Simoes acknowledged that the dialect poses a challenge for some of the children, as not everyone speaks it fluently. However, she added that they already know the song quite well, and given the length of the lyrics, she is very proud of them.
After the town hall, a procession will head towards Adames Square, where further festivities and surprises are planned. For the past four months, organisers have been busy planning, coordinating, and adjusting arrangements. According to municipal executive board member Guy Henckes, who is locally known for his organisational skills, the time has flown by. And those skills are precisely what the situation demands. "The plan changes weekly, daily, and right now it's changing hourly. But we don't mind. We don't have problems here – we only have solutions ready", Henckes said.
The municipality expects between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors, though it could accommodate even more. Temperatures of 28°C are forecast for Friday. However, organisers are not overly concerned about the heat. Henckes stressed that the weather will be perfect – not too hot – and that care will be taken to ensure vulnerable individuals have access to shaded areas and plenty of drinking water.
Visitors arriving by car are advised to park at the CFL car park, the one next to the football pitch, or the Luxforge car park. Shuttle buses will run between these three locations and the centre of Troisvierges. Organisers recommend arriving by 3.15pm, as access will be closed off from 3.30pm onwards.
