The Court’s protocol practices

Forms of Address

Respect for the monarchy also requires the use of traditional forms of address. It is therefore recommended to address:

• Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke, the Hereditary Grand Duke, or any male member of the Grand Ducal Family as 'Monseigneur' or 'Your Royal Highness'.
• Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duchess, the Hereditary Grand Duchess, or any female member of the Grand Ducal Family as 'Your Royal Highness' during the first exchange of the day, and 'Madam' for the remainder of the conversation.

These forms of address show the respect due to their office and should be observed in all official, diplomatic or representative contexts.

In Luxembourg, there are two anthems, each with a specific purpose:

• Ons Heemecht ('Our Homeland'): the national anthem, played at official ceremonies, commemorative events, and sporting events, whether or not the Head of State is present.

• De Wilhelmus ('William'): the anthem of the Maison grand-ducale, in honour of William I of Orange-Nassau, the founder of the House of Orange-Nassau, historically linked to the Grand Ducal family. It is played exclusively in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses to announce their arrival and departure at events such as official ceremonies or concerts.

Colours

The Luxembourg monarchy is represented by its own heraldic colours, orange and blue, which are distinct from the national tricolour of red, white and blue.

At official events, these colours are most prominently displayed on the number plates of vehicles in the motorcade of the Maison du Grand-Duc, specially authorised by the Ministry of Transport.

Coat of Arms

• The State coat of arms represents public authority. It is used on official buildings (e.g. ministries, embassies) and on state documents (e.g. laws, passports).
• The Grand Duke's coat of arms highlights both the constitutional and dynastic role of Luxembourg's Head of State. It appears on his residences (e.g. palaces), on documents issued directly by the Grand Duke (e.g. letters of credence), and at official events where he is present as Head of State (e.g. on the flag displayed on his lead vehicle in the motorcade).

As in many countries, in Luxembourg the presence of the Head of State at his official residences is indicated by the national flag flying on the roof:

• Colmar-Berg Castle, his residence, when the Grand Duke is on national territory;
• the Grand Ducal Palace, his official workplace, when he is physically present there.

Two points of note regarding the Grand Ducal Palace:

• During periods of Lieutenance, the flag is also raised when the Lieutenant-Représentant is present at the Palace.
• During a State Visit, the flag of the visiting country is flown.

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, there are several decorations, including four principal orders:

• The Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau;
• The Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolphe of Nassau;
• The Order of the Oak Crown;
• The Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The Grand Duke is the Grand Master of these four orders, the highest rank in the hierarchy of a civil or military order of chivalry.

The Marshal of the Court serves as Chancellor of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau and the Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolphe of Nassau, heading their respective chanceries.

The Minister of State, as Head of Government, is Chancellor of the Order of the Oak Crown and the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.