Luxembourg - The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Saturday replaced its head of state, but with somewhat less turbulence and more decorum than Serbia, reports Patrick Smyth
A signature and brief embrace between father and son was all it took to bring to an end a 35-year reign. Grand Duke Jean (79) stepped down as monarch of the European Union's smallest - population 450,000 - and wealthiest state, abdicating in favour of his eldest son, Henri (45).
Henri, flanked by his Cuban-born wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and their five children appeared nervous as he took his oath, but delivered a strong speech which questioned whether the post-war generation he represented was not sometimes too egoistic.