Grand Duke Guillaume has served as Luxembourg's head of state since 3 October 2025. In his speech at the Philharmonie, he described the accession as a moment that had underlined the stability and continuity of the monarchy.
The Grand Duke stressed that democracy did not depend on individuals acting alone, but on people working together. He also said that young people would soon be called upon to assume greater responsibility.
According to Guillaume, younger generations initially look to the example set by those before them, but must also think critically and find a path suited to their own time.
"In an increasingly digital world, there is a risk that we are connected without ever truly meeting", he said.
The Grand Duke also reflected on the meaning of the different National Day traditions, including the torchlight procession, the military and civil parade and the ceremony at the Philharmonie.
He said the torches symbolised democracy as something carried collectively, while the parades illustrated that freedom required commitment from everyone.
"This ceremony reminds us that values can live on across generations when we are prepared to take responsibility", he added.
"Democracy is a shared journey", Grand Duke Guillaume said, adding he was proud that Luxembourg's social partners had reached an agreement earlier in the month, helping to revive the country's tradition of dialogue and compromise.
In his speech, PM Luc Frieden said that every National Day was special, but that this year's celebrations were particularly significant as they were the first under Grand Duke Guillaume.
He thanked the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess for their commitment, noting that they had visited many parts of the country over the preceding months.
"Luxembourg will always stand up for democracy, peace, freedom, and human rights", Frieden said, describing them as fundamental values that allow people to live together respectfully and responsibly, both at home and around the world.
Frieden said there were many reasons to look to the future with confidence during Guillaume's first National Day as Grand Duke. This was not because the world had become simpler, he explained, but because people everywhere remained willing to make a contribution.
President of the Chamber of Deputies Claude Wiseler said in his speech that the "unshakeable youthful optimism" once felt in society was becoming less evident.
He noted that growing numbers of people were avoiding the news because they found it too distressing. While he understood that reaction, he said he was concerned that society could lose the sense of engagement he regarded as essential.
"We must recognise our weaknesses. Above all, we must identify our strengths, and we do have them, and build on them", Wiseler said.
He described Luxembourg as a country that sought consensus, adding that social cohesion remained one of its greatest strengths and needed to be preserved.
