Thousands of people, including European royalty, thronged Luxembourg Friday to witness the enthronement of Grand Duke Guillaume as monarch after his father, Henri, officially abdicated ending a 25-year reign in the small EU nation.

Wearing a green military uniform topped by a yellow sash, Guillaume, 43, formally acceded to the throne of the wealthy country during a ceremony at the parliament.

"I want to be the grand duke who builds bridges between generations, between tradition and innovation," he said, after taking the oath of service before lawmakers and foreign dignitaries.

His father, in a matching uniform, appeared emotional as he listened to his son's inauguration speech.

After the ceremony, the new grand duke and his wife, Stephanie, greeted the public from the balcony of the Gr

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