Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Royal family RECAP: European princesses curtsey for new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg


Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri has abdicated after a 25-year reign in favour of his son, Guillaume and his wife, Stephanie


Grand Duchess Stephanie de Lannoy of Luxembourg, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Grand Duke Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie of Luxembourg, and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands attend a Gala dinner© WireImage
HELLO!
Danielle StaceyOnline Royal Correspondent - London
Sharnaz ShahidDeputy Online Editor
Rebecca LewisLos Angeles correspondent
Updated: October 4, 2025
Share this:

TODAY'S BIGGEST ROYAL STORIES

What's happening today?

It's a busy day for the world's royals, as Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri officially abdicates in favour of his son, Prince Guillaume. Elsewhere, Princess Anne will open the Bungalow Hub in Lanarkshire and will also attend a Research Symposium at The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh will launch the new South Coast Institute of Technology Wing at The CECAMM (Centre of Excellence for Composites, advanced manufacturing and Marine) Centre in Cowes. He also has engagements in Sandown and Southampton.

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Guests arrive

Guests are starting to arrive for the abdication ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg city, including ministers. 

At 11am local time, Prince Guillaume will then be sworn in at the Chamber of Deputies.

Stay tuned for the first pictures.

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa arrive at the abdication ceremony. 

The Grand Duke is dressed in his khaki military uniform with honours and decorations, while the Grand Duchess looks elegant in a mauve caped dress with cut-out detailing.

Grand Duke Henri arrives with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for his abdication ceremony © Getty
Grand Duke Henri arrives with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for his abdication ceremony
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

European royals in attendance

The Belgian and Dutch royals are in attendance at today's ceremony. 

Queen Mathilde of Belgium looks beautiful in burgundy, while her daughter, Princess Elisabeth is wearing a structured navy shift dress. King Philippe is in a morning suit, like King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands.

The Belgian royals at the ceremony© AFP via Getty Images
The Belgian royals at the ceremony

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands is wearing an autumnal camel coat over a dark green dress, while Princess Catharina-Amalia looks stunning in ruby red.

The Dutch royals at the ceremony© AFP via Getty Images
The Dutch royals at the ceremony

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie

The incoming Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are also in attendance.

Like his father, Prince Guillaume is in his khaki military uniform, while his wife, Princess Stephanie, is in a lilac caped tulle dress, with spectacular diamond drop earrings.

Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie seated for the ceremony© Getty Images
Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie seated for the ceremony
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Grand Duke Henri officially abdicates

Grand Duke Henri has now officially abdicated after signing the declaration.

 

Grand Duke Henri formally signs the abdication declaration© Getty Images
Grand Duke Henri formally signs the abdication declaration

This part of the ceremony has now concluded and the swearing in ceremony for Prince Guillaume will now follow.

Prince Guillaume hugs Grand Duchess Maria Teresa© WireImage
A sweet moment between mother and son
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Swearing-in ceremony

And now to the swearing-in ceremony for the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.

Guillaume is sitting on a throne from a series commissioned for the Great Hall of Knights of the former Berg Castle, built in the neo-Gothic style in the mid-1850s. 

Before the future Grand Duke Guillaume, it was used by Grand Duchess Charlotte on significant occasions during her reign and later by Grand Duke Jean at his swearing-in on 12 November 1964.

For this historic moment, the throne was restored and branded with the monogram of the future Grand Duke Guillaume.

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie during their swearing-in ceremony© Getty
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie during their swearing-in ceremony

 

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

First speech as Grand Duke

The new Grand Duke Guillaume gives his first speech as head of state, after which he received a long standing ovation. 

Grand Duke Guillaume delivers his first speech as head of state © Getty
Grand Duke Guillaume delivers his first speech as head of state
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Sweet moments

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie shared a sweet moment together after Guillaume took the oath at the swearing-in ceremony.

Grand Duke Guillaume kisses Grand Duchess Stephanie after his first speech as head of state© Getty
Grand Duke Guillaume kisses Grand Duchess Stephanie after his first speech as head of state
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Future queens

Princess Catharina-Amalia of The Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium are both heirs of their respective countries.

See all of the best photos of the European royals in attendance the change of throne celebrations in Luxembourg.

Princess Catharina-Amalia wowed in ruby red© OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/Shutterstock
Princess Catharina-Amalia wowed in ruby red
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

The King congratulates new Archbishop of Canterbury

The King has congratulated Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullally on her new role, "which is of such importance in the UK and across the global Anglican Communion", Buckingham Palace said.

Dame Sarah is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the history of the Church of England. 

Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullally delivers an address in the Quire of Canterbury Cathedral in Kent© PA Images via Getty Images
Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullally delivers an address in the Quire of Canterbury Cathedral in Kent
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Should King Charles cut Andrew loose?

Away from Luxembourg, and yesterday on The HELLO! Royal Club Millie responded to a poll in which 83 per cent of Royal Clubbers said they think King Charles should cut Andrew loose. Unsurprisingly, there was plenty of disagreement...

Prince Andrew and King Charles wearing tuxedos

Cheryl Goddard was sympathetic to the Prince. "I don't think [he] should be kicked out of his own family. I think that punishment should be over. It's gone on for to long. After all, family is close to each other, and it will always be that way."

While Elizabeth Campbell took a more rounded view: "Andrew and Fergie should be included in family functions that are private and away from the public eye - such as Christmas inside Sandringham NOT the walk to and from church, HOWEVER as far as any positions or titles Andrew still holds - there's at least the Knight of the Garter - he should recuse himself from all of that and be happy in his family."

Click the button below to read Millie's post and all the comments from HELLO!'s biggest royal fans in reply.

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

William's most candid conversation yet

The Prince of Wales has opened up about the toll of his parents' divorce and protecting Kate and their kids in his most candid conversation to date.

William appears on the latest episode of Eugene Levy's The Reluctant Traveler, which was filmed in Windsor. 

Our royal editor Emily Nash gives us the full run-down in her piece here.

Have you watched the show on Apple TV+ yet?

William opened up to Eugene Levy© Courtesy of Apple
William opened up to Eugene Levy
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Family balcony moment

After the swearing-in ceremony, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie appeared on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace, with their two young sons, Prince Charles, five, and Prince Francois,  two.

Charles is now first in line to the Luxembourg throne. 

The Luxembourg royal family wave from the balcony© AFP via Getty Images
The Luxembourg royal family wave from the balcony

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Royal Quiz: Luxembourg royal family

How well do you know the Luxembourg royal family? 

Test your knowledge in our quiz below...

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Change of outfits

There's been time for a quick change of outfits as the royal couple arrive at City Hall. 

Guillaume is now wearing a suit and tie, while Stephanie has changed into a cream dress with asymmetric shoulder and cape detailing.

Grand Duke Guillaume  and Duchess Stephanie wave to the crowd as they arrive for a solemn session in front of the City Hall © Getty
Grand Duke Guillaume and Duchess Stephanie wave to the crowd as they arrive for a solemn session in front of the City Hall

 

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Grand Duchess Stephanie wears Elie Saab

Stephanie's beautiful lilac gown was created by Elie Saab - the Lebanese designer, who also created her wedding dress for her marriage to Guillaume in 2012. 

Our Junior Lifestyle Writer, Josh Osman, breaks down her accession day look here.

Princess Stephanie wowed in a lilac caped tulle gown© Getty Images
Princess Stephanie wowed in a lilac caped tulle gown
Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Royal style

The Dutch and Belgian royals were also in attendance at the City Hall ceremony, with Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Elisabeth taking time out of their studies.

Catharina-Amalia wore a red satin dress by Australian fashion designer, Alex Perry, with a burgundy caped Valentino coat. 

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium © Getty Images
Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium

Meanwhile, Elisabeth, who is currently studying at Harvard, opted for a deep blue bespoke dress by Belgian designer, Natan, which featured beading across the neckline. 

See more photos.

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

Baby bump

Grand Duke Guillaume's sister, Princess Alexandra, is just weeks away from expecting her second child. 

The Grand Ducal Court announced in May that Alexandra and her husband, Nicolas Bagory, will welcome a baby this autumn.

Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and her husband, 	Nicolas Bagory© WireImage
Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and her husband, Nicolas Bagory

The royal dressed her baby bump in an empire-line dress, with a beaded top and a satin skirt. 

The couple are also parents to a daughter, Victoire, born in 2024. 

Share this:
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon

New royal titles

While Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie have become The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, Henri and Maria Teresa will be known as Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume is congratulated by his father Grand Duke Henri © Getty
Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume is congratulated by his father Grand Duke Henri
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Queen Letizia's standout style

Hello, it's Sharnaz taking over from Danielle. 

Queen Letizia of Spain brought a burst of colour to the UNICEF Spain 2025 Awards on Thursday, stepping out in a striking, silky Barbie-pink ensemble paired with sleek leather.  The stylish 53-year-old chose a silky BOSS blouse and leather midi skirt in 'camelia' pink - vibrant and eye-catching without being over the top. Doesn't she look fab?

Queen Letizia presides over the presentation ceremony of the UNICEF Spain 2025 Awards, which this year recognize the Gasol Foundation in the Transforma category© Europa Press via Getty Images
Queen Letizia at the UNICEF Spain 2025 Awards
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

This week on A Right Royal Podcast

In the latest episode, hosts Andrea Caamano and Emily Nash delve into the biggest royal talking points. In the latest episode, they discuss Prince Harry’s reported frustration over leaks surrounding a possible family reunion, speculation about whether Prince Andrew could be excluded from the royal family's Christmas celebrations, Prince William's future plans and his touching revelations about life with his children, as well as Meghan Markle's perspective on Harry's reunion with his family.

You can listen to the full episode below:



Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Princess of Wales goes viral

The Princess of Wales once again demonstrated why she's admired for her poise and grace during a visit to Lincolnshire on Thursday. The 43-year-old captured attention when she climbed the narrow steps of a fully armed Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon at RAF Coningsby to peer inside the cockpit - all while wearing her signature four-inch stilettos. Even more impressive, she navigated her way back down the steps, walking backwards with effortless ease, a moment that quickly went viral.

Watch the clip below:

WATCH: Princess Kate walks backwards during viral moment

Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

William's manifesto for monarchy

A lighthearted travel show is a world away from the traditional sit-down interview we’ve seen members of the royal family take part in over the years. And yet Prince William’s conversation with Eugene Levy, the Hollywood star and presenter of The Reluctant Traveler, has provided us with some of his most personal revelations ever – as well as offered unheralded clarity on his vision for the future of the monarchy. 

Eugene Levy with Prince William at Windsor Castle for the third season of “The Reluctant Traveller With Eugene Levy,” now streaming on Apple TV+.© Apple TV+

Over on The HELLO! Royal Club, HELLO!'s Royal Editor, Emily Nash, has just posted her brilliant weekly newsletter in which she asks how far the future monarch is planning to go with his ideas, and why he has decided to go public with them now. To read the post, simply click on the button below.

Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Prince William's rare mention of Prince Harry

Prince William gave a rare nod to his brother Prince Harry during his appearance on Eugene Levy's The Reluctant Traveler. While chatting over a pint in Windsor, he reflected on lessons from his own childhood, saying he hopes to avoid repeating some of the practices he and Harry grew up with - all while thinking about the world he wants for Prince George.

Prince William and Eugene Levy in the third season of “The Reluctant Traveller With Eugene Levy,” now streaming on Apple TV+.© Apple TV+
Prince William appears in the third season of The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy
 
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Prince Harry 'frustrated' by coverage of King Charles reunion

Prince Harry's four-day visit to the UK last month continues to make headlines, particularly following his brief reunion with his father, King Charles. The Duke and the King had not seen each other for nearly two years, and their private tea at Clarence House, which lasted less than an hour, has been the subject of intense speculation.

In the latest episode of A Right Royal Podcast, hosts Andrea Caamano and HELLO! editor Emily Nash, joined by guest Matt Wilkinson, royal editor at The Sun (who first reported the story about Harry's 'formal' visit), break down how events unfolded and explores what could happen next... read more here

Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Royal gala dinner

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands joined Grand Duchess Stephanie de Lannoy and Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg at the gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace. The event celebrated the abdication of Grand Duke Henri and the accession of Crown Prince Guillaume to the throne.

 

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands joined the Grand Duchess Stephanie de Lannoy and the Grand Duke Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie of Luxembourg at the Gala dinner© Getty
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander at the gala dinner
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Royal greetings

The couple were seen warmly greeting Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium, adding another star-studded moment to the gala celebrating Luxembourg's big day.

 

The couple were seen greeting Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium© Getty Images
The couple were seen greeting Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Photo moment

Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron were spotted posing for a picture during the gala celebrations, adding a touch of French flair to the evening. 

Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron were among the guests© Getty Images
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron were among the guests
Share this:
Deputy Online Editor

Meghan Markle shows how to do autumn in style

Even from sunny Montecito, Meghan Markle clearly hasn't forgotten her UK style roots. Throwing it back to 2020, the Duchess of Sussex visited Canada House with Prince Harry in a perfectly autumnal outfit that still inspires today.

Meghan paired a chocolate brown satin skirt from Massimo Dutti with a cosy polo-neck jumper, her favourite velvet Jimmy Choo heels, and a smart Reiss coat. The warm coffee tones perfectly captured the season, and the look demonstrates why satin skirts are such a versatile wardrobe investment. We LOVE this look.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 07, 2020 in London, England.© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Meghan looked stunning in her Massimo Dutti skirt in 2020
Share this:
More Royalty
See more