Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicated the throne on Friday in favor of his son Guillaume, the Associated Press reports.
Henri, 70, served the small duchy in the heart of Europe for 25 years, playing a largely symbolic role. Guillaume, 43, will be crowned on Friday and then greet the public on the balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace, accompanied by the royal family.
Henri abdicated during a ceremony held at the Grand Ducal Palace, a yellow stone structure adorned with spires and wrought-iron grilles. Guillaume, 43, will soon be crowned and swear allegiance to the Luxembourg constitution before the Chamber of Deputies, the ducal parliament, which consists of 60 members.
The new Grand Duke will greet the public from a balcony overlooking the central square, accompanied by his family, including his wife, Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, who was born in Belgium, and his sons, five-year-old Prince Charles and two-year-old Prince François.
Members of the royal families of the Netherlands and Belgium are expected to attend the ceremonies.
Later on Friday, the new Grand Duke will host a gala evening for guests, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Over the weekend, Guillaume will embark on his traditional tour of the country, culminating in a Sunday mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg with Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.