Breaking: Grand Duke Henri makes historic announcement during National Day

Yesterday the annual National Day was celebrated in Luxembourg. During the Grand Duke’s speech, he made a historic announcement.

“On this occasion, together with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie, I would like to inform you that I have decided to appoint Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant Representative in October.”

Traditionally, Grand Duke Henri gives a speech every year during the ceremony in the Luxembourg Philharmonic. At the end of his speech, he said these words, expressing full confidence in the young generation. He then said, “It is with all my love and all my trust that I wish him the best of luck.” Moved, he gave his son Guillaume an extensive hug, amid sustained applause from those present. The website of the Luxembourgish monarchy states that the appointment of the lieutenant representative traditionally takes place during the process of the change of government, as provided for in the Constitution of Luxembourg. This means that Grand Duke Henri will abdicate within a few years, in favor of his son Guillaume.

The National Day in Luxembourg is quite an event for the Royals. This starts on the day before the actual holiday itself. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa visited the municipality of Kehlen. Maria Teresa was dressed in a blue jumpsuit from MaxMara, with a festive coat from Dries van Noten.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie visited the town of Esch-zur-Alzette. (Swipe right to see more photos). Stephanie looked stunning in a bright red top with cape sleeves, with bright red trousers. Both come from Natan. In the evening, both couples and Guillaume’s brothers were present at the fireworks display.

June 23

Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie during the announcement, at the end of the speech in the Philharmonie.

Princess Alexandra and her husband Nicolas Bagory were also present.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was dressed in a pink gown by Natan, with a mouseline cape over it.

Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie wore a beautiful blue dress by Natan.

Princess Alexandra was dressed in a green and white dress, which she also wore at the Te Deum, which took place later in the day.

Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie dressed for the Te Deum. There we saw her in a green dress with a white hat with flowers, designed by Sylvia Martinez.