All the Photos of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg’s Abdication
Grand Duke Guillaume succeeds his father on the Luxembourg throne.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty Images
This morning, Grand Duke Henri abdicated the Luxembourg throne in favor of his eldest son, Guillaume. “Even though it’s a very privileged life, it’s also a kind of golden cage,” Grand Duke Henri said earlier this year. He and his wife, Maria Teresa, will move to Fischbach Castle in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg, which has been a Grand Duchy since 1815, now welcomes its tenth monarch, the new Grand Duke Guillaume. Last year, Henri announced his plans to step down, following the tradition of his father and grandmother. He joins a small but growing list of monarchs to abdicate their thrones this century.
Henri officially abdicated at the Grand Ducal Palace this morning, and Guillaume was sworn in. After, the Grand Ducal family of Luxembourg appeared on the balcony of the Palace, and tonight, there will be a gala dinner. In attendance are numerous Luxembourg dignitaries, including Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer, and royals from the Netherlands and Belgium, and the entire Luxembourg royal family.
Here, see all the best pictures from the day:
NICOLAS TUCAT//Getty ImagesGrand Duke Henri arrives with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for his abdication ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty ImagesThe couple were ready to step down.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty ImagesHenri passes the throne to his eldest son, Guillaume (second from right).
ERIC LALMAND//Getty ImagesQueen Mathilde, King Philippe, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium were there.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty ImagesAs did Queen Máxima, King Willem-Alexander, and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands.
NICOLAS TUCAT//Getty ImagesCatharina-Amalia looked lovely in maroon.
NICOLAS TUCAT//Getty ImagesGrand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie at their swearing-in ceremony.
NICOLAS TUCAT//Getty ImagesThe new Grand Ducal couple with their sons wave from the balcony of the palace.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty ImagesGuillaume’s brothers Prince Sébastien, Prince Félix, and Prince Louis, and his sister-in-law Princess Claire.
Patrick van Katwijk//Getty ImagesThe whole family pictured on the Grand Ducal palace balcony.
NICOLAS TUCAT//Getty ImagesPrincess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Elisabeth, two future queens, spent time together.
