A historical day for Luxembourg

After twenty-five years on the throne, Grand Duke Henri abdicates, and his son Guillaume takes over as Grand Duke. I remember when Henri became Grand Duke, but back then I hardly paid attention. I was young and uninterested. Today it feels different. Maybe because Guillaume and I are close in age. Maybe because I have grown into someone who understands that history is made of quiet moments like this.

Monarchy is not exactly popular these days. Many see it as outdated. And yet Luxembourg is the last Grand Duchy in the world, which makes us something rare. Too often people dismiss us as a tax haven or as a tiny dot on the map. But there is more here, and days like today remind me of that.

Luxembourg may be small, but it is full of complexity. We speak three official languages — Luxembourgish, French, and German — and most of us switch between them without even thinking about it. Almost half the people living here are expats or migrants, and they bring their cultures and languages too. That mix shapes us in ways I find beautiful.

And then there is Henri. Over the years I grew to like him. He often had a hint of humour, but always carried himself with dignity. There was something very warm and reassuring about him, and I admired that.

Now Guillaume steps forward. Born in 1981, with his wife Stéphanie and their two young sons, Charles and François, he represents both continuity and the future. He is of my generation, and that makes me feel oddly connected to this moment. I hope he too will carry the same kind of presence and intelligence his father had.
So yes, Luxembourg is small. And yes, we are often overlooked. But today shows that we are also unique. We are the last Grand Duchy, and we are witnessing history. We are all part of it.