As one reign begins, another comes to an end
Like a perpetual motion, Luxembourg is turning a page to write a new one, thus continuing the centuries-old tradition of its monarchy. After 25 years on the throne, Grand Duke Henri is handing over to his son, Prince Guillaume. The handover takes place in the Chamber of Deputies when Prince Guillaume takes the oath that marks the beginning of his reign: "I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity, as well as public and individual freedoms."
But before this oath, there was a prince, still young, who had been preparing for years to take on this responsibility.
Birth of the Crown Prince
On 11 November 1981, at the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte Maternity Hospital, a long-awaited little nose appeared: that of Guillaume, the first child of the Grand Ducal couple Henri and Maria-Teresa. Soon the little prince would be surrounded by his brothers and sisters Félix, Louis, Alexandra and Sébastien.
The young Prince Guillaume attended primary school in Lorentzweiler before continuing his secondary education at the Lycée Robert Schuman in Luxembourg City, then in Switzerland, where he obtained his French baccalaureate in 2001.
In keeping with family tradition, Guillaume enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Great Britain in 2001. Sworn in in 2002, he served in the Luxembourg army with the rank of colonel.
After studying international politics in the United Kingdom, he completed his studies in France, where he obtained a double degree in literature and political science with honours from the University of Angers in 2009.
A prince committed to the economy
Alongside his university studies, Prince Guillaume took courses to familiarise himself with the world of economics and politics.
This was essential training, as in his role as Hereditary Grand Duke, he is involved in Luxembourg's economic and social commitments. At the age of 19, he was already chairing his first economic missions, notably in South Korea, Italy and the United States.
Since 2004, the Hereditary Grand Duke has been presenting the Luxembourg American Business Award in New York as honorary president of the Trade and Investment Board.
At the national level, he actively supports the Luxembourg economy by regularly accompanying initiatives to promote the country alongside Luxembourg for Business, the Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg for Finance and Fedil. In addition, he has presided over the Chamber of Trades' master craftsman's certificate ceremony since 2004.
A couple active in public life
However, the future Grand Duke cannot devote himself exclusively to the country's economic affairs. He also has to build his family life. In April 2012, he announced his engagement to Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, whom he had met at an event in Germany. The wedding was celebrated at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City in October of that year. Today, the couple have two children: Prince Charles, born in May 2020, and Prince François, born in March 2023.
As the heir apparent couple, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie are involved in numerous official activities side by side. Their commitments often reflect a desire to promote causes that are close to their hearts. The promotion of Luxembourgish craftsmanship is one such example. Through the non-profit organisation De Mains de Maîtres, they actively support Luxembourgish arts and crafts and craftsmanship.
The Grand Ducal couple actively participates in Luxembourg's cultural and sporting life. They are regularly seen at concerts, art fairs and artistic circles, or visiting exhibitions at various Luxembourg museums. They also attend the Olympic Games and the Games of the Small States of Europe as often as possible.
A Grand Duke sensitive to social issues
Interested in politics, economics, philosophy, history and reading, the Grand Duke also has a passion for music, both classical and modern, with a particular fondness for the guitar. In addition to sporting activities such as tennis, skiing, swimming and water sports, he also enjoys recharging his batteries in nature.
This balance between his leisure life and sense of duty is accompanied by a deep social commitment. This is why he takes a particular interest in social business and microfinance, which he considers to be essential levers in the fight against poverty.
Prince Guillaume is also very attached to the Kräizbierg Foundation, whose concept of social and professional integration he particularly appreciates. After chairing its board of directors for more than 10 years (2000–2011), he became its honorary president in March 2011.
His social commitment is also expressed through various patronages. He has been the High Patron of Special Olympics Luxembourg since 2017 and of the National Association for Road Accident Victims since 2002.
Also very involved in charitable work, Prince Guillaume has taken up the torch from his grandfather, Grand Duke Jean, by becoming Honorary Governor of Lions District 113 Luxembourg, a position his grandfather held for more than 50 years.
But his grandfather's legacy does not end there: from childhood, he also passed on his love of nature and adventure, introducing him to scouting, a passion that the Prince continues to this day by joining the Board of Trustees of the World Scout Foundation.
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