(7 Oct 2000) Natural Sound
XFA
Luxembourg's Grand Duke has abdicated in favour of his eldest son.
Crown Prince Henri, was sworn in as Luxembourg's new monarch when his father, Grand Duke Jean, stepped down after 36 years at an abdication ceremony attended by royals from Belgium and the Netherlands.
Henri pledged allegiance in the parliament, next door to the grand ducal palace - a Disneyesque affair of turrets and wrought-iron that dominates the picturesque city center with its narrow cobblestoned streets, squares and alleys.
Afterwards, he and his Cuban-born wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, strolled from the parliament, around the block - waving to spectators and shaking outstretched hands - before heading back to palace for a balcony appearance.
In the narrow street below, hundreds cheered them and their five children.
The abdication and oath taking ceremonies reinforced the endearing quality of this uneventful nation of 429 thousand wedged between Belgium, France and Germany.
Luxembourg measures only 82 by 57 kilometers (52 by 36 miles).
Henri took the oath of office in full military dress for he now commands a 450-strong army guarding a country of forests and valleys that knows no poverty, unemployment or social unrest.
Henri became Luxembourg's sixth grand duke since 1890, when the modern monarchy was established. His 79 year old father resigned after 36 years.
The ceremonies were attended by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Belgium's King Albert and Queen Paola.
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20 июл 2015
