Congratulations to Luxembourg
His Majesty King Harald extends his warmest congratulations and best wishes to Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg.
His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri signed his abdication this morning, before his oldest son, Grand Duke Guillaume, gave his oath as Luxembourg's new Head of State.
Grand Duke Guillaume during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTB
King Harald extends his warmest congratulations to the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess:
Your Royal Highnesses,
Dear Guillaume and Stéphanie
My family and I extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to you as Luxembourg's new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.
You follow in the footsteps of our good friends Henri and Maria Teresa, who have served Luxembourg and its people with great love and a sense of duty for 25 years.
Now it is your family, with your sons Prince Charles and Prince François, who will continue to guide your country and your people into the future. I am confident that you will carry out your duties excellently.
My family and I greatly appreciate the close bonds between us. We hope you will find the support and strength you need in your work.
Harald R
Grand Duke Henri signed his abdication earlier today. He succeeded his father on the throne 25 years ago, after Grand Duke Jean's abdication 7 October 2000.
Grand Duke Henri signs his abdication. Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters / NTB
Many had gathered outside the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg to honour the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. They also had the chance to thank Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for their 25 years of service as they joined Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie on the palace balcony.
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie on the palace balcony with their oldest son, Prince Charles. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTB
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa join the new Grand Ducal Family on the palace balcony. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTB
Close ties
There are family ties between the Royal House of Norway and the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg. Grand Duke Henri and Crown Prince Haakon are second cousins, and the new Grand Duke is second cousin once removed to Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The Royals from Luxembourg have guested Norway for a number of anniversaries and weddings.
Then Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie were naturally among the guests for the gala dinner on the occasion of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday. Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie have two children, Prince Charles and Prince François. Prince Charles accompanied his parents for the celebration of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday.
A photograph from the celebration of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday. From the left (in front) Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Charles of Luxembourg. Standing behind them, from the left Princess Catharina-Amalie of the Netherlands, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB
In 2015 there was a gathering at the King’s and Queen’s private holiday retreat Mågerø, with royal heirs from Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Photo: The Royal Court
State visits
There have been four state visits between Norway and Luxembourg, two of them during the reign of King Harald, and the latest in 2011. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa visited Norway in May 2011 and was greeted by King Harald and Queen Sonja in the Palace Square.
King Harald and Grand Duke Henri during the welcoming ceremony in the Palace Square 30 May 2011. Photo: Stian Lysberg / NTB
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Luxembourg: Tronskifte
After the ceremony, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie appeared on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTBPhoto 1 of 5 -
Luxembourg: Tronskifte
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie are joined on the balcony by Grand Duke Henri. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTBPhoto 2 of 5 -
Luxembourg: Tronskifte
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Nicolas Tucat / AFP / NTBPhoto 3 of 5 -
Luxembourg: Tronskifte
Grand Duke Guillaume gives his oath during his swearing-in ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg. Photo: Yves Herman / AFP / NTBPhoto 4 of 5 -
Luxembourg: Gala
Then Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie arrive for the gala dinner at Oslo Royal Palace on the occasion of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday in 2022. Foto: Lise Åserud / NTBPhoto 5 of 5
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