Luxembourg will enthrone a new sovereign Friday with Prince Guillaume set to succeed his father, Grand Duke Henri, who officially abdicates on the same day, ending a 25-year reign.

The small European nation of about 680,000 people is to light up with pomp and pageantry as foreign dignitaries flock to the financial hub to mark the historic occasion.

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.

Celebrations will kick off at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) with Henri, 70, taking part in an abdication ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace in presence of guests including the Dutch

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