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GRAND-DUCAL FOCUS
The Accession of Grand Duke Henri |
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Following the abdication ceremony, the grand-ducal family and their guests made their way to the Chamber of Deputies. Opening the solemn public assembly of the Luxembourg legislature, the President of the Chamber, Jean Spautz, expressed his gratitude, on behalf of all the deputies, to Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duke Josephine-Charlotte. Turning to the Grand Duke Henri, the President spoke of how the new Grand Duke was aware of the importance of living together within a parliamentary democracy, open to the interests of others. |
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At around 11.00 am, at the request of the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Grand Duke Henri swore the accessional oath, in accordance with article 5 of the constitution:
"I swear to observe the Constitution and laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity, as well as public and individual liberties."
The Grand Duke then made his accessional speech. |
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"Just as our family has done in the past, we want to be beside all our fellow citizens, and to share with them both joy and pain ... I am convinced that, strengthened by your confidence and your support, we will be able to give that which you ask of us." |
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The session was closed by the playing of the national anthem and of the Wilhelmus, the anthem of the grand-ducal house. The members of the grand-ducal family, together with their foreign guests, signed the honorary visitors' book of the Chamber of Deputies. They then made their way back to the Grand-Ducal Palace, where they acknowleged the crowd's applause from the palace balcony. |
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Photo: Queen Beatrix, watched by King Albert and Queen Paola, signs the honorary visitors' book. |
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Photo: The new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, with their family, greet the crowds from the palace balcony. |
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Accessional Reception Lunch
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa then gave a reception at the Grand-Ducal Palace for those who had participated in the accessional ceremony. This was followed by a private lunch for members of the grand-ducal family and their Dutch and Belgian guests. |
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Meanwhile, the Government hosted a lunch at the Municipal Circle in honour of ambassadors accredited to the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, as well as the Luxembourg authorities. The guests were greeted by the Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lydie Polfer. |
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>>> Ambassadorial Presentation and Service of Thanksgiving |
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