Luxembourg city: Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg was sworn in on Friday, after his father Henri abdicated following 25 years on the throne, taking up his duties with a pledge to modernize and bring the royal family closer to the people.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prime Minister Luc Frieden called the ceremony a ‘historic moment’ for the country of 670,000 inhabitants, the world’s sole remaining Grand Duchy. Among high-ranking politicians from across Europe, King Willem-Alexander and Queen M¡xima of the Netherlands, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde from Belgium were in attendance. Supporters gathered in front of the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City, where the abdication ceremony took place early on Friday.
The 43-year-old Guillaume swore the oath of allegiance to the constitution in a solemn sitting in parliament. ‘I want to be a grand duke who builds bridges between generations, between tradition and innovation,’ he said in his speech. Luxembourg has a ‘unique strength’ in its multicultural and multinational population, Guillaume said. He thanked the many cross-border workers from neighbouring countries, whose work makes ‘a significant contribution to Luxembourg’s prosperity.’
After the swearing-in ceremony, the monarch appeared on the balcony of the palace with Grand Duchess St©phanie and his family. A crowd of thousands chanted: ‘Guillaume! Guillaume!’ The couple has two young sons, with five-year-old Charles now the new hereditary grand duke.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are due to join a gala dinner in the Grand Ducal Palace on Friday evening, while a public concert is being held in the capital on Saturday featuring a drone show.
In an interview with dpa, the sovereign said he intends to go out to the people and see what their needs are and above all, support young people and those in need. ‘My wife and I want to show that the monarchy is not just a palace,’ said Guillaume. ‘They also come to you and want to know what the challenges are.’
One focus in Luxembourg is on the development of artificial intelligence and new technologies, he said, noting the younger generation’s potential in building a dynamic economy. ‘I want to support young people who approach these things with an innovative spirit,’ said Guillaume. Guillaume is the seventh sovereign in the House of Luxembourg-Nassau. The Luxembourg branch of the Nassau-Weilburg dynasty has existed since 1890.