Ukrainians, volunteers and frontline workers are examples for us all, Grand Duke Guillaume has said in his first Christmas Eve address to the nation since his enthronement.
Echoing the theme of his Trounwiessel speech, Guillaume said on Wednesday evening that cohesion, solidarity, openness and tolerance are the values that unite the Grand Duchy.
He expressed gratitude for the support shown to the royal family during the change of throne in October, saying “I want to do my best to live up to that trust.”
Guillaume said that he and Grand Duchess Stéphanie would embark on a tour to meet citizens across Luxembourg in the new year. “The Joyeuses Entrées are a tradition after a change of throne,” he stated. “We will visit five different regions in the country. We look forward to sharing these moments with you and celebrating the values that define us as a country.”
In his remarks, Guillaume pointed to global and national challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and the high cost of living, while calling for compassion and support for those in need.
Grand Duke Guillaume speaks during his annual Christmas message to Luxembourg’s residents © Photo credit: Screenshot/Maison du Grand-Duc
“The war in Ukraine has called into question the peace and security that we in Europe considered a sure victory,” he said. “Also for our country at the heart of the European Union, the greatest peace project of our time. But despite this reality, we also see resilience: among the Ukrainians, in Europe, where national and international gestures of solidarity give hope and remind us that cohesion in times of crisis is most important.”
Poverty and precariousness
“In this country there is poverty and precariousness,” Guillaume acknowledged later in his speech. “Not everyone has a roof over their heads and the high cost of living makes it difficult for many people to make ends meet, especially single parents and young people starting out in the professional world.”
“In a small country, we are not just neighbours, but a family,” he said towards the end of his address. “That is the strength of our country: small in size, but great in unity.”
Guillaume thanked volunteers and essential workers for their contributions to society, saying: “Let me say a word to those who contribute to our cohesion through their commitment and work. On the one hand, these are the many volunteers who engage in associations and clubs in their free time throughout the year. On the other hand, there are the people who serve society during the holidays and at other times: in hospitals, including many frontline workers, in the emergency services, in the police, in the army, as well as other essential services. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your tireless commitment, which is appreciated and valued by all of us.”
While most of his speech was delivered in Luxembourgish, in a nod to the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, Guillaume did close his speech with greetings in English, French, German and Portuguese.
In English he stated: “I wish you all a peaceful Christmas, joyful holidays and a happy New Year.”
