LUXEMBOURG: GRAND DUKE JEAN ABDICATION CEREMONY

(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. Luxembo