The new Grand Duke made his first foreign visit

The first official foreign visit of the Crown Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie, was a demonstration not only of diplomatic tact, but also of family continuity: the couple were solemnly received at the Royal Palace in Brussels by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde themselves.

The visit, which took place on Friday, has a special symbolism. King Philippe is a cousin of Guillaume's father, Grand Duke Henri, and Stéphanie is a Belgian-born countess. Thus, the visit took on not only a political but also an almost homely tone.

The programme began with a welcome ceremony and a guard of honour. This was followed by an official photo and introduction of the delegations inside the palace. The Luxembourg side was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel, who accompanied the royal couple.

Later, the two royal couples shared a private lunch, an important gesture of respect and trust. The programme concluded with a meeting between Guillaume and Stéphanie and Vincent Blondel, President of the Belgian Senate, highlighting the importance of inter-parliamentary and inter-state ties.