Grand Duke Guillaume has sworn an oath to ascend to the throne of Luxembourg in a traditional ceremony attended by royals and European heads of state.

Church bells rang out just before hundreds crowded outside the Grand Palace began chanting "Guillaume, Guillaume!" as the new grand duke walked onto a balcony to greet his new subjects.

Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, wearing an olive-green military uniform with a yellow sash, was flanked by the royal family including his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, in a sky-blue gown.

They carried their two children - designated heir Charles, five, and two-year-old François - both clad in shorts.

Just moments earlier Guillaume had taken the throne after swearing the sovereign's oath in Luxembourg's parliament.

"I will live the life of my people, from whom

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