…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Overview of Monarchies in Europe
While the United Kingdom is known for its famous Coronation ceremony, it is not the only European country with a monarchy.
In fact, there are still 12 sovereign monarchies on the continent, with 10 of them being hereditary, and two of them, Vatican City and Andorra, being elective.
Each monarchy has its own unique ceremony or tradition for acceding to the throne.
Here is a breakdown of each monarchy and its respective ceremony or tradition.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a Grand Duchy, with a hereditary Grand Duke serving as head of state.
During his inauguration, the Grand Duke takes a vow to obey the country’s constitution, which is conducted in a ceremony at Luxembourg’s parliament, the Chamber of Deputies.
Denmark
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, with a hereditary head of state.
The current monarch, Queen Margrethe II, did not have a formal enthronement ceremony.
Instead, news of her accession was announced from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
Norway
Norway is a constitutional monarchy, with a hereditary monarch as its head of state.
The current monarch, King Harald V, was consecrated as king during a ceremony at Nidaros Cathedral in the city of Trondheim in 1991.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, a microstate landlocked between Austria and Switzerland, is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with a hereditary prince as its head of state.
Unlike other monarchies, Liechtenstein does not have a coronation.
Instead, the most recent prince, Prince Hans Adam, attended a mass by the Catholic Archbishop of Vaduz in Liechtenstein.
Sweden
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary monarch as its head of state.
Instead of a coronation, Sweden’s monarch takes an oath of regal assurance during a meeting of the Swedish cabinet.
Afterwards, a formal ceremony is held at the Hall of State at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the home of the Holy See, the Government of the Catholic Church.
The Pope is the elected head of the church, chosen by the church’s cardinals.
After the pope is elected, he is inaugurated during a mass in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
Spain
Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary monarch as its head of state.
The current king, King Juan Carlos, ascended to the throne in a low-key ceremony at the Spanish parliament following the abdication of his father in 2014.
Andorra
Andorra, a microstate landlocked between France and Spain, is a semi-elective diarchy with two heads of state – one appointed and one elected.
The elected head of state is the President of France, while the appointed head of state is the Catholic Bishop of Urgell.
When Emmanuel Macron was sworn in as President of France, he also became the co-prince of Andorra.
Similarly, when Joan-Enric Vives i Sicilia was appointed Bishop of Urgell by the Pope, he was made a co-prince too.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary monarch as its head of state.
The king or queen is inaugurated during a joint-assembly of the country’s parliament, held at the Nieuwe Kerk church in Amsterdam.
Belgium
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary monarch as its head of state.
The current king, King Phillipe, was sworn in as monarch during a formal service in Brussels.
A parade was held through the streets of the capital, with King Philippe appearing with his family at the balcony of the Royal Palace.
Monaco
Monaco, a microstate on the French Riviera, is a princip