Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri abdicated his throne on Friday in favor of his son, Guillaume.

Henri, 70, had served the tiny duchy in the heart of Europe for 25 years in a largely symbolic role.

Guillaume, 43, will be crowned in a ceremony later on Friday and then greet the public atop a balcony of the Grand Ducal Palace with the royal family at his side.

Henri abdicated in a ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace, built of yellow stone and decorated with spires and ironwork.

Guillaume, 43, will shortly be crowned and swear an oath to Luxembourg’s constitution before the 60 elected members of the Chamber of Deputies, the duchy’s parliament.

The new grand duke will greet the public from a balcony overlooking a central square with his family, including his wife, the Belgian-born Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, and his sons, Prince Charles, 5, and Prince François, 2.