Luxembourg Witnesses a Historic Transition.. Grand Duke Henri Officially Abdicates the Throne to His Son Prince Guillaume

In a historic step, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg officially abdicated the throne to his son and heir, Prince Guillaume, in a royal scene announcing the beginning of a new era for the small European duchy.

Grand Duke Henri, who is (70 years old), has "served the small duchy in the heart of Europe for 25 years in a largely symbolic role." This abdication crowns a quarter-century of rule.

Prince Guillaume, who is (43 years old), is set to be announced as the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg in an official ceremony taking place today, Friday. After the coronation, he will "greet the public from the balcony of the Grand Duke's palace with the royal family by his side," in one of his first symbolic duties.

With this step, Guillaume will enter history as the "seventh Grand Duke of Luxembourg since 1890, when the modern monarchy was established."

To share in the small duchy of Europe's historic moment, "members of the royal families from the Netherlands and Belgium are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony." The occasion will also have high-level international attendance, as "the new Grand Duke will host an evening party for guests, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier."

Celebrations will continue over the weekend, as "Guillaume will embark on a traditional tour of the country that will conclude with a mass on Sunday with Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich at the Catholic Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Luxembourg."

It is worth noting that Luxembourg, which "separated from what is now France, Belgium, and Germany in the 17th and 19th centuries, is a parliamentary democracy, headed by the Grand Duke similar to King Charles in the United Kingdom or King Philippe in Belgium," still retains a constitutional monarchy that plays a symbolic and unifying role in the heart of Europe.