With Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie now centre stage in Luxembourg, it’s time to meet the new royal power couple in Europe.

What’s Changed?

On Tuesday, Grand Duke Henri officially designated his son and heir as Lieutenant-Representative, meaning that from now on, Guillaume is the man with the power (in all but name, this is the first step in a years-long abdication process in Luxembourg). Now, Guillaume will carry out the daily functions of monarchy in the country and he will be tasked with representing Luxembourg on the global stage.

And that means that his wife Stéphanie is also about to take on a new role as well, though she has no official change in title until such time that Grand Duke Henri abdicates.

Who are Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie?

The bright couple have been together since at least 2011, marrying in October 2012 in a glittering ceremony where the bride was outfitted by Elie Saab—a favourite designer of Luxembourg’s royals—and officially became a future Grand Duchess.

Guillaume, as the first-born son of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, has been preparing for his future role all his life. Stéphanie, meanwhile, was born into Belgian nobility, as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy.

Prior to their marriage, Stéphanie worked in investments. After the couple married, she took a course at London’s Sotheby’s Institute, studying art history.

The couple have two sons: Prince Charles, who was born in 2020; and Prince François, who was born in 2023. The children have no title changes at this time, but when Guillaume succeeds his father, Charles will become the Hereditary Grand Duke.

What’s Happening Next?

Although Guillaume was the man of the hour, Stéphanie was also centre stage. She earned a mention in Guillaume’s speech, with him saying that the pair are “approaching [this new stage] together and with confidence.”

Stéphanie accompanied her husband to the official lieutenancy ceremonial events, and received praise from the Chamber of Deputies for her commitment to her role.

After taking his oath, Chamber of Deputies President Claude Wiseler said Guillaume and Stéphanie: “We have the utmost confidence in you and in her royal highness, the Hereditary Grand Duchess. We trust that You will represent our country with dignity, and commitment.”

According to Guillaume in a sit-down interview Tuesday, Stéphanie will continue on with her work at its current pace. There are no plans for her to change her role yet.

Guillaume said: “She will continue with her priorities, of course art and culture. But she is also becoming increasingly involved in social issues, And I think she will develop other priorities and interests.”

There’s no official role in the Luxembourg Constitution for the spouse of the Grand Duke or Duchess—and if you’ve been following the Grand Ducal Family for any length of time, you’ll remember that the Waringo Report, of which there were investigations into Grand Duchess Maria Teresa’s treatment of staff, has cast a pall over the family.