Luxembourg is preparing for a historic transition on Friday as Prince Guillaume ascends the throne, succeeding his father, Grand Duke Henri. The Grand Duke "embodies the independence and stability of the state," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden told AFP. French President Emmanuel Macron and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier are among those expected to attend a gala dinner in Luxembourg City. The new Grand Duke and his wife, Stephanie, will then greet the public in the historic district of the capital, according to the official programme. The father-of-two is not expected to shake up the small monarchy, where the head of state promulgates laws and performs representative functions.