Luxembourg kicks off National Day celebrations

Luxembourg has kicked off their annual National Day celebrations, marking 25 years on the throne for Grand Duke Henri.

The celebrations began on Friday, with Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa hosting the traditional biennial serenade in the gardens of Berg Castle. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, Princess Amalia, Princess Marie-Astrid, and Archduke Christian of Austria attended the event alongside the Grand Ducal Couple.

 

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Celebrations of National Day and the 25th anniversary of Henri’s reign continued on Saturday. The Grand Ducal Family undertook a walkabout on Place Guillaume II before attending a reception hosted by the City of Luxembourg.

The Grand Duke also cut a massive anniversary cake on the stage. It was then distributed to those in the audience before a concert by Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Luxembourg National Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Gast Waltzing. DJ Don Simon later performed that night.

All of Grand Duke Henri’s children and two of his grandchildren (Princes Gabriel and Noah) were on hand to celebrate his silver anniversary on the Luxembourgish throne. He was also joined by his sister and brother-in-law, Princess Marie-Astrid and Archduke Christian of Austria.

Celebrations continue Sunday with the traditional torchlight procession and fireworks display. More official ceremonies take place on Monday.