Grand Duke Henry abdicates. Wilhelm the fresh monarch of Luxembourg

This is simply a thoughtful generational change, and at the same time an emblem of the institutions, erstwhile the war is one more time flowing across Europe and the Union must redefine its values. A tiny country in the centre of the continent sends a signal that tradition does not exclude modern reasoning about the future. The full process started a year earlier. Wilhelm then became a formal deputy father. He took over any of his duties, represented Luxembourg outside, participated in celebrations and meetings. It was a princely “internship” that allowed him to gradually prepare for the function of head of state. But now everything has become official. Wilhelm took the throne, and Henry went into history.