Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, the heir to the throne, and his wife, Princess Stéphanie, are expecting their first child.
The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 38, and the Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, 35, are set to become parents in May 2020, according to a statement by the Marshal of the Court.
It comes after a year filled of heartache for the royal couple, with Stéphanie’s father passing away in January, before the death of Guillaume’s grandfather war hero Grand Duke Jean in April.
Prince Guillaume, the heir to the Luxembourg throne, and his wife, Princess Stéphanie (pictured together), are expecting their first child
![The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 38, and the Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg (pictured together in 2013), 35, are set to become parents in May 2020, according to a statement by the Marshal of the Court](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971188-7769183-image-a-5_1575816779521.jpg)
The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 38, and the Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg (pictured together in 2013), 35, are set to become parents in May 2020, according to a statement by the Marshal of the Court
In a statement released on December 6th, the Luxembourg royals said they were ‘delighted with the news and share [the couple’s great joy].
It read: ‘Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Duchess are immensely pleased to announce that the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess are expecting their first child. The birth is scheduled for May.
‘The Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess and the members of both families are delighted with the news and share their great joy.’
The palace released a series of portraits of the prince and princess to mark their announcement.
![In a statement released on December 6, the Luxembourg royals said they were 'delighted with the news and share [the couple's great joy]. Pictured: Princess Stéphanie and Prince Guillame](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971192-7769183-image-a-13_1575816806372.jpg)
In a statement released on December 6, the Luxembourg royals said they were ‘delighted with the news and share [the couple’s great joy]. Pictured: Princess Stéphanie and Prince Guillame
![The palace released a series of portraits of the prince and princess (pictured) to mark their joyous announcement](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971184-7769183-image-m-16_1575816906381.jpg)
The palace released a series of portraits of the prince and princess (pictured) to mark their joyous announcement
Standing outside in the sunshine, the couple look to be in great spirits as they affectionately pose with one another.
In one of the low-key shots, Stéphanie can be seen holding her arms around her husband as they both smile for the camera.
The princess appeared radiant in a bright blue blouse and jeans, while her locks were tied back to showcase her glowing facial features.
Guillaume donned a smart-casual outfit featuring a navy blazer, an open-collard shirt and camel coloured trousers.
![The pair are seen during their civil wedding on October 19, 2012 at the city hall in Luxembourg](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971196-7769183-image-a-17_1575816927101.jpg)
The pair are seen during their civil wedding on October 19, 2012 at the city hall in Luxembourg
![There has long been speculation about when the royal couple would be starting a family, with the pairing tying the knot in a lavish affair in 2012 after two years of dating](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971194-7769183-image-a-18_1575816930279.jpg)
There has long been speculation about when the royal couple would be starting a family, with the pairing tying the knot in a lavish affair in 2012 after two years of dating
Another, more formal portrait sees Stéphanie sport a vibrant purple jacket as her husband dons a dashing dark suit.
There has long been speculation about when the royal couple would be starting a family, with the pairing tying the knot in a lavish affair in 2012 after two years of dating.
Princess Stéphanie told French magazine Point de Vue in 2016 that she didn’t ‘have any plans to become a mother. For the moment, I’m enjoying spending time with my husband.’
Prince Guillaume is the eldest child of Grand Duke Henri Luxembourg and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and the heir to the Luxembourg throne.
![Stéphanie arrives for her wedding ceremony to Prince Guillaume at the Cathedral of our Lady of Luxembourg on October 20, 2012, in Luxembourg](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971200-7769183-image-a-14_1575816875922.jpg)
Stéphanie arrives for her wedding ceremony to Prince Guillaume at the Cathedral of our Lady of Luxembourg on October 20, 2012, in Luxembourg
![Prince Guillaume (pictured with his wife) is the eldest child of Grand Duke Henri Luxembourg and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and the heir of Luxembourg throne](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/08/14/21971190-7769183-image-a-19_1575816943499.jpg)
Prince Guillaume (pictured with his wife) is the eldest child of Grand Duke Henri Luxembourg and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and the heir of Luxembourg throne
His child will follow him in the line of succession for the throne, pushing Guillaume’s four siblings – Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sébastien – further down the list.
The couple’s special news comes after a difficult year, which saw the passing of Guillaume’s grandfather, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg.
The Grand Duke, who died in April at the age of 98, surrounded by his family, abdicated in 2000 in favour of his son Henri.
He was a soldier in the British army during the Second World War, and participated at the D-Day landings.