Grand Ducal Couple Draws Record Crowds During First Official Visit to Belgium

The Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie were warmly received in Brussels on Friday during their first official foreign visit since the Grand Duke’s accession to the throne. Around 300 to 400 people gathered at the Royal Palace to witness the historic event, marking a moment of renewed friendship between Luxembourg and Belgium.

The day began in the Royal Park, where the Belgian royal escort and military units prepared to welcome the new Luxembourg head of state. The Grand Ducal couple was greeted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in a ceremony aimed at strengthening the historical, political, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Crowds lined the Place des Palais, with families, students, and tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the royal visitors. Among them were Belgian retirees Jean and Monique, who shared, “It was important for us to attend this first visit. We’re pleased the Grand Ducal couple chose Belgium—this strengthens the bond between our countries. And since Grand Duchess Stéphanie is Belgian, it’s a source of pride.”

Other spectators, like Françoise, discovered the event by chance. “We were going to see an exhibition nearby and were drawn by the music,” she said, adding that she found it encouraging to see “a young monarch who feels closer to the people.”

For royal enthusiast Valentin Dupont, the visit was unmissable. The 33-year-old Brussels native, who runs a blog dedicated to European royalty, took a day off to attend. “I started following the Luxembourg monarchy because of the family ties between the two royal houses,” he explained.

The ceremonial welcome featured military honors and the national anthems of both countries, symbolizing the unity between the two monarchies. One royal palace official remarked in surprise, “I’ve been working here for eleven years. I’ve never seen so many people.” The pleasant weather, the young royal couple, and the recent change of throne were all credited for the unusually high turnout.

Following the ceremony at the Royal Palace, the Grand Duke visited the Palace of the Nation, where he was received by Vincent Blondel, President of the Belgian Senate. The Grand Duke toured the Federal Parliament, which consists of the Chamber of Representatives (150 members) and the Senate (60 members), the latter now serving mainly as a “chamber of reflection” following constitutional reforms.

After an hour-long visit, the first international trip of Grand Duke Guillaume concluded successfully. The courtesy visits will continue in the coming weeks, with the Grand Duke scheduled to travel to Berlin on Monday to meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender.

The visit not only highlighted the close historical and cultural connections between Luxembourg and Belgium but also underscored the popularity and fresh energy of Luxembourg’s new monarchs, marking a strong start to their reign on the European stage.
Read More : Visit of the Grand Ducal couple to Belgium: "We have never seen so many people" | The Daily

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