At Château de Berg, in Colmar-Berg, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was presented with a motorcycle helmet by officers of the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in recognition of his role as former Commander-in-Chief and his longstanding support for the armed forces.
The helmet, bearing the colours of the House of Nassau, was formally presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Schaber, Lieutenant-Colonel Lesch, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lamesch as a gesture of appreciation on behalf of the military.
While unusual in form, such gifts are consistent with military tradition, in which units or associations present symbolic objects reflecting their identity, function, or esprit de corps. In this context, the motorcycle helmet relates to operational and ceremonial functions within the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in which motorcycles are employed, including escort duties.
The incorporation of the Nassau colours underscores the dynastic dimension of the gesture, linking the modern Luxembourg state to the House of Nassau, from which the Grand Ducal family of Luxembourg descends.
On Thursday in Madrid, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg began a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Spain at the invitation of Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.
The official visit takes place in the context of Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne on October 3, 2025, following the abdication of his father, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, and forms part of the established diplomatic exchanges between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The visit began with an official welcoming ceremony at the Palacio Real de Madrid, where the grand ducal couple was received by Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Following the playing of the national anthems, the inspection of the guard of honour, and the presentation of the respective delegations, Their Majesties held an initial meeting with the grand ducal couple.
His Royal Highness the Grand Duke later held bilateral talks with His Majesty the King, accompanied by members of the Luxembourg delegation. Those present included the Deputy Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Mr. Xavier Bettel, the Minister of the Economy, Mr. Lex Delles, and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Gilles Roth.
The Spanish delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Mr. José Manuel Albares.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties the King and Queen hosted a luncheon at the Palacio Real de Madrid in honour of the grand ducal couple.
During the luncheon, His Majesty the King delivered a speech.
In his remarks, His Majesty welcomed the grand ducal couple to Spain and recalled the visit he and Her Majesty the Queen made to Luxembourg in 2014, shortly after his proclamation, when they were received by Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
The King emphasized the longstanding ties between the Royal House of Spain and the Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg, describing the visit as a reflection of the friendship and close relationship shared by the two countries.
Referring to the historical links between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, His Majesty noted that the two countries share centuries of intertwined history, recalling in particular the reign of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who also held the title of Duke of Luxembourg, and the reign of his son, Felipe II of Spain, figures who illustrate the historical connections between the two nations.
Turning to European affairs, the King highlighted Spain’s four decades of membership in the European Union and expressed appreciation for Luxembourg’s role as a founding member of the bloc and a longstanding partner in the development of European integration.
He also underlined the close economic and social links between the two countries, noting the presence of thousands of Spanish nationals living and working in Luxembourg, as well as the contribution of Luxembourg nationals residing in Spain, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of the two societies.
The King further addressed the broader international context, expressing concern over ongoing global conflicts, including the situation in the Middle East and the continuing war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to diplomacy, international cooperation, and the principles of international law.
At the end of his speech, His Majesty the King raised a toast to the friendship between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, expressing his wishes for the prosperity of Luxembourg during the reign of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke and for continued cooperation between the two countries.
His Royal Highness the Grand Duke then delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to Their Majesties for the welcome extended to him and to Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess during their first official visit to Spain.
The Grand Duke noted that the visit was among the first official engagements he had undertaken abroad since his accession to the throne in October 2025 and described it as reflecting the longstanding relations between the Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg and the Royal House of Spain, as well as the friendship between the two countries.
Referring to the historical links between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Grand Duke recalled more than five centuries of shared history, particularly the period during which Luxembourg formed part of the territories of the Spanish Crown.
He noted that this legacy remains visible in Luxembourg City, including the Spanish defensive turrets known as échauguettes espagnoles and the origins of the Palais Grand Ducal, whose reconstruction during the sixteenth century took place under Spanish administration.
The Grand Duke also referred to the close ties between the peoples of the two countries, noting the presence of nearly 10,000 Spanish nationals residing in Luxembourg, many of whom work in the European institutions, the financial sector, and emerging areas of innovation. He also highlighted the growing number of Luxembourg students who pursue their studies in Spain.
Turning to European affairs, the Grand Duke recalled Luxembourg’s support for Spain’s accession to the European Union in the 1980s, referring to remarks made by his grandfather, the late His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, during the State Visit of Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 1980. He observed that Spain’s membership of the Union has since strengthened political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The Grand Duke further addressed the broader international context, noting the challenges facing the international order, including geopolitical tensions, the war in Ukraine, and economic uncertainty. In this context, he emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg within the framework of the European Union and other international institutions.
He also referred to the strength of the economic partnership between the two countries, noting that several members of the Luxembourg Government responsible for portfolios including the economy, finance, and energy were accompanying him on the visit.
At the end of his speech, the Grand Duke raised a toast to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, to the prosperity of the people of Spain, and to the continued friendship between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Later in the afternoon, the Grand Duke and members of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg delegation met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, at the Palacio de la Moncloa.
The meeting was followed by the signing of three memoranda of understanding between the Kingdom of Spain and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The agreements concern cooperation in the fields of energy and space, as well as the establishment of regular bilateral political consultations.
In the evening, the grand ducal couple attended a reception with representatives of the economic and financial community hosted by the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Madrid.
On Wednesday evening, in Luxembourg City, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg delivered his first Christmas address from the Palais Grand-Ducal following his accession to the throne on October 3rd, 2025.
In his address, the Grand Duke spoke about values including solidarity, openness, tolerance, and social cohesion, which he described as central to life in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He stated that these values are lived daily and contribute to trust and stability within society.
The Grand Duke referred to his visit across the country on October 4th, following his swearing-in ceremony as Grand Duke, and thanked the public for the welcome he received and for the confidence placed in him.
He said that he and Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg intend to remain present throughout the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He also noted that the traditional Joyeuses Entrées, which follow a succession to the throne, will take place next year, with visits planned to five regions.
Turning to the Christmas season, the Grand Duke said that the period carries different meanings for people, including religious observance, time with family, and a pause from everyday life. He stated that Christmas encourages care for others, regardless of individual beliefs or traditions.
Addressing international developments, the Grand Duke referred to the war in Ukraine, stating that it has affected peace and security in Europe, including for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a member of the European Union. He also referred to acts of solidarity within Europe and support for Ukraine.
The Grand Duke also addressed social conditions within the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. While noting the country’s prosperity, he said that poverty and hardship remain present, including challenges linked to housing and living costs. He referred in particular to the pressures faced by single parents and young people.
Environmental responsibility was also addressed. The Grand Duke spoke about responsibility toward the environment and future generations and referred to the importance of institutional stability and long-term continuity.
The address also included references to dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence in a diverse society. The Grand Duke stated that differences of opinion and origin are not obstacles but part of society in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Religious faith was addressed in the context of Christmas, with the Grand Duke stating that faith offers hope to believers. He added that values such as compassion, solidarity, and peace are shared across beliefs.
At the end of his speech, the Grand Duke thanked those whose work supports society, including volunteers and those serving during the festive period. He specifically mentioned healthcare workers, emergency services, the police, the armed forces, and cross-border workers.
He concluded the address by extending Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and beyond.
Portrait courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc/Kary Barthelmey
On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg will enter a new chapter in its history. After nearly 25 years as the reigning sovereign and Head of State, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will abdicate the throne in favor of his eldest son and heir, His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg.
At ten o’clock in the morning, Grand Duke Henri will sign the Act of Abdication at the Palais Grand-Ducal. One hour later, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will take the constitutional oath before the Chambre des Députés, formally becoming the reigning sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The ceremonies will mark the sixth transition of power since the House of Nassau-Weilburg began its reign in Luxembourg in 1890, continuing one of Europe’s lesser-known but enduring dynastic traditions.
Long before Luxembourg became Europe’s last reigning Grand Duchy, its story began on a rocky promontory overlooking the Alzette River. In the year 963, Count Siegfried acquired the small fortress known as Lucilinburhuc, the Little Castle, which gave the country its name. From this stronghold grew a county, and eventually a duchy, whose rulers would shape European politics for centuries.
The medieval House of Luxembourg produced four Holy Roman Emperors and several kings, extending their influence far beyond the borders of their small homeland. But as the centuries passed, dynasties shifted, wars redrew borders, and the territory of Luxembourg gradually diminished.
By the early 19th century, after the upheaval of the Napoleonic wars, Luxembourg’s future was decided at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The settlement created the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, placed in personal union with the King of the Netherlands. For seventy-five years, the Dutch monarchs held both crowns. That arrangement ended in 1890 with the death of King William III, when the Dutch throne passed to his daughter Wilhelmina, but Luxembourg, governed under Salic law, required a male heir. The succession passed to Adolphe, Duke of Nassau, beginning the Nassau-Weilburg line in Luxembourg.
Grand Duke Adolphe was succeeded by his son, Grand Duke William IV, whose six daughters posed a challenge for succession. His eldest, Marie-Adélaïde, became Luxembourg’s first reigning Grand Duchess in 1912, but abdicated in 1919 in favor of her sister Charlotte. Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg reigned for nearly half a century. During World War II, she and her family went into exile, but her BBC radio broadcasts became a rallying point for national resistance.
In 1964, she abdicated in favor of her son, His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg. He reigned until 2000, when he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau and Bourbon-Parma, was born on November 11, 1981, at the Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg City. He is the eldest child of Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and has held the title of His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg since his father’s accession in 2000.
Raised at Château de Fischbach alongside his four siblings, Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Sébastien, Prince Guillaume grew up with a strong sense of duty to his country and family.
As a child, he attended primary school at the Lycée Robert Schuman in Luxembourg City. At the age of 16, he continued his studies in Switzerland, first at the Institut Le Rosey and later at the Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, where he obtained his French Baccalaureate in 2001.
In September 2001, now known as Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, he enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, where he successfully completed his officer training, graduating on August 9, 2002. He later studied international politics in the United Kingdom before continuing his university education in France. In 2009, he graduated with honours from the Université d’Angers with a degree in Literature and Political Science. He is fluent in Luxembourgish, French, German, Spanish, and English.
In 2004, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume first met Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, a member of one of Belgium’s oldest noble families, at a gathering in Germany through mutual friends. The two reconnected at a party in 2009, and their relationship soon developed.
On April 26, 2012, the Maison du Grand-Duc officially announced their engagement. Days later, the press was invited to Château de Berg in Colmar-Berg to meet the newly engaged couple.
On October 19, 2012, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, were married in a civil ceremony at the Hôtel de Ville in Luxembourg City, presided over by then-Mayor Xavier Bettel, who today serves as Deputy Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On October 20, 2012, the couple held their Catholic wedding ceremony at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Luxembourg, with Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich presiding. The beautiful wedding was attended by royals from around the world and marked the last royal wedding of an heir to a reigning European throne for quite some time, as the next generation of heirs, hence at the time second in line to a European throne, were still children.
On May 10, 2020, the Hereditary Grand Ducal couple welcomed their first child, Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau and Bourbon-Parma. Their second son, François Henri Luis Marie Guillaume, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau and Bourbon-Parma, was born on March 27, 2023.
On June 23, 2024, during Luxembourg’s National Day celebrations at the Philharmonie Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri delivered his traditional speech. In it, he announced that he had decided to appoint his eldest son and heir, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, as Lieutenant Representative, entrusting him with exercising many of the sovereign’s constitutional powers.
In his speech, the Grand Duke said: “As we prepare for the future, the time has come to involve the Hereditary Grand Duke more closely in the exercise of my constitutional powers. In agreement with the government, I have decided to appoint him Lieutenant Representative in the coming months.”
According to Chapter 3, Section 2, Article 58 of the Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: “The Grand Duke may be represented by a person who meets the conditions of Article 56, paragraph 1, and who bears the title of Lieutenant-Representative of the Grand Duke. The Lieutenant-Representative of the Grand Duke only takes office after having taken the following oath before the Chambre des Députés.”
On October 8, 2024, at the Palais Grand-Ducal, Grand Duke Henri signed the Grand Ducal Decree of Appointment in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
The decree set out the powers delegated by Grand Duke Henri to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, carrying the same legal effect as if exercised by the sovereign himself.
Following the signing of the Grand Ducal Degree of Appointment, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume arrived at the Chambre des Députés to take the traditional oath before parliament, the first time the ceremony had been held in the Chambre des Députés, following constitutional reforms adopted in 2023.
After a speech from the President of the Chambre des Députés, Claude Wiseler, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume then rose, took the oath, and pledged: “I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws and to faithfully fulfill my constitutional duties.”
This appointment placed Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume in line with his predecessors who had taken the same step: Prince Henry of the Netherlands in 1850, William IV in 1902, Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde’s mother, Grand Duchess Marie-Anne, in 1908, Hereditary Grand Duke Jean in 1961, and Hereditary Grand Duke Henri in 1998. In each case, the role served as the final preparation for the throne.
For Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, it was the last step on his path from heir to sovereign.
On December 24th, 2024, during his annual Christmas message, Grand Duke Henri announced that he would abdicate the throne in favor of his son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume.
In his speech, the Grand Duke said: “When I look back today, after almost 25 years, I do so with deep gratitude and humility. It has been a period during which Luxembourg has made much progress, and I am pleased to have been able to be part of that journey with you, together with the Grand Duchess.”
At the end of his speech, he confirmed his decision: “Today, the Grand Duchess and I are pleased to share with you that Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie will succeed us on October 3rd, 2025. I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country.”
The abdication comes just days before what would have been Grand Duke Henri’s Silver Jubilee, marking exactly 25 years on the throne.
With Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne as the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg, his wife will be known as Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, and their eldest son, Charles, will be known as His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Charles of Luxembourg. He will also be the youngest heir to a European throne, followed by His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco.
For the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Friday’s historic Change of Throne will mark the passing of responsibilities from one generation to the next, continuing a fascinating dynastic tradition that has shaped the beautiful country for more than a century.
On Friday, July 1, 2022, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg attended the opening of the 39th Edition of the Ettelbruck Agricultural Fair held at the Däichwisen in Ettelbruck.
Held under the theme, Luxembourg Agriculture: Tradition with a Future, the three-day fair will house 250 exhibitors and 500 animals. According to a press release, the Ettelbruck Agricultural Fair has become the:
“…essential meeting point for all professionals in the green sector for farmers, foresters, horticulturists, trade, scientific research in agro-biotechnology. Particular emphasis is placed on the presentation of Luxembourg products and raising consumer awareness of the discovery of regional products.”
During today’s opening, Grand Duke Henri visited various exhibitors, mingled with visitors, ate delicious food and overall had a wonderful time.
On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg attended the 50th-anniversary celebrations of HORESCA, the Luxembourg Federation of Hoteliers, Restaurateurs, and Cafetiers held at the Cercle Cité.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg began their two-day state visit to Lisbon, Portugal at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Portugal, His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Upon their arrival at the Praça do Imperio in Lisbon, Their Royal Highnesses were warmly welcomed by President Rebelo de Sousa and other government officials. After participating in the inspection of the Guards of Honor, and the national anthems were played Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa were ushered into Belem Presidential Palace. Whilst there the royal couple signed the guest book, held a photo-op for the press and held a meeting with President Rebelo de Sousa.
In the evening, President Rebelo de Sousa hosted a gala state dinner in honor of their royal guests.
The Royal Correspondent 