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Princesses Catharina Amalia and Elisabeth steal the show as Luxembourg royal family gather for royal abdication - best photos


Today marks a historic day for the Luxembourg royal family, whose monarch, Grand Duke Henri, will abdicate the throne for his son, Prince Guillaume


Princess Catharina-Amalia wowed in ruby red© OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/Shutterstock
Updated: October 3, 2025
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Members of the Luxembourg royal family have gathered at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City to witness the abdication of Grand Duke Henri, whose son, Prince Guillaume, will ascend the throne. The moment, which took place on Friday, is a historic one, as it will see the first change of monarch in Luxembourg for 25 years. 

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Princess Catharina-Amalia wowed in ruby red© Getty

Leading the royal arrivals was Princess Catharina-Amalia, who was a vision wearing a striking ruby red gown, complete with a signature cape. Oozing royal glamour, the Princess of Orange, 21, kept true to her autumnal rouge colour palette, pairing her look with red pointed-toe stilettos. The royal, who studies at the University of Amsterdam, completed her look with an elegant clutch bag in the same shade, adorned with jewels. 

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Media Image© WireImage

Catharina was joined by , Princess Elisabeth, 23, who, in tune with Catharina's autumnal red, opted for a stylish navy blue boat-neck gown. The silk number was impeccably flattering, hugging the royal's trim waist. Elisabeth, who is also known as the Duchess of Bradbantadded a pair of striking drop-silver earrings made up of glittering diamonds.

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Princess Catharina-Amalia curtsies© Shutterstock

Shortly after arriving, the royal pair were photographed demonstrating their incredible curtsies to the Grand Duke and Duchess. Both Catharina and Elisabeth gave a deep, respectful gesture, with the Grand Duchess Maria affectionately holding their arms.

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Princess Elisabeth curtsies© Shutterstock

The Princesses were photographed attending the royal milestone alongside Catharina's parents, Queen Maxima and King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands. Maxima looked impeccable, choosing a silk khaki green gown for the occasion, which she paired beautifully with an oatmeal-hued coat. As for accessories, the royal, 54, added a pair of stylish khaki green gloves and suede pointed-toe stilettos to match.
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The Dutch royals at the ceremony© AFP via Getty Images

They were also joined by the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, who almost matched Catharina, opting for a sophisticated cape-style dress in an elegant berry shade. Meanwhile, the Grand Duke was dressed in his khaki military uniform with honours and decorations.

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Princess Stephanie looked incredible© WireImage

As they entered the Grand Ducal Palace, Princess Stephanie's impeccable gown was finally unveiled, the future Duchess wearing a striking pale blue gown, which featured a beaded corset-style top and free-flowing skirt with a matching cape-like feature on her shoulders. Her royal look was complete with a glittering tiara and official orange sash.

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Grand Duke Henri formally signs the abdication declaration© Getty Images

Following 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.

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

The new Grand Duke and Duchess were all smiles at the swearing in ceremony.

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

The new Grand Duke and Duchess changed their outfits before they arrived at City Hall. Guillaume changed into a suit and tie, while Stephanie slipped into a cream dress with asymmetric shoulder and cape detailing.

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

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.

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

Both Catharina and Elisabeth took time away from their studies. Elisabeth  is currently studying at Harvard.

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