Luxembourg's Grand Duke abdicates as Guillaume assumes the throne

On Friday, Oct. 3, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, 70, formally abdicated the throne at the Grand Ducal Palace, handing the title to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, 43, in a day of ceremonial acts, public appearances and state receptions that marked a generational change in the small European state. The abdication followed a signing of the Act of Abdication at the palace, a swearing-in by Guillaume before the Chamber of Deputies and a public balcony appearance by the new Grand Duke and his family.

Henri, who became Grand Duke in 2000 after his father stepped down, cited a changing Luxembourg and a desire to ensure continuity when he announced his decision in December. In his final annual broadcast he said the country had undergone great changes during his reign and that, while the monarch remains above political parties, he had spoken out when fundamental national interests were at stake. The transfer follows a long-standing Luxembourg tradition: the past three generations of monarchs have abdicated rather than rule for life.

The formal transfer began at the Grand Ducal Palace where Henri signed the abdication document and ceremonially lowered the flag bearing his monogram....