De Wilhelmus
Introduction "''''''" (; Luxembourgish for "The Wilhelmus") is the grand ducal anthem of Luxembourg. Lyrics for it were written in 1919 by Luxembourgish writer Nik Welter, although they are not often used in official performances. The anthem is performed whenever a member of the Grand Ducal Family enters or leaves an official ceremony, while the national anthem, "Ons Heemecht", is performed at national celebrations.
History "" has a common origin with the Dutch national anthem, "Het Wilhelmus", which dates back to the 16th century, although they do not use the same melody and had not done so since around that time. Luxembourg was in a personal union with the Netherlands from 1815 until 1890, and the tune was played on a few official visits of members of the Dutch royal family to Luxembourg from 1883."" became explicitly associated with the Grand Ducal family in Luxembourg by the end of the 1800s, around the same time "Ons Heemecht" was being popularised.In 1915, Luxembourgish author Willy Georgen wrote the first lyrics for the anthem, to commemorate the 1815 Congress of Vienna. Although his lyrics were supported by Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde, World War I and the 1919 abdication of Marie-Adélaïde in favour of her sister Charlotte after suspicions of pro-German sentiment meant Georgen's lyrics were not officially adopted.In 1919, Luxembourgish writer Nik Welter wrote lyrics for the anthem for the marriage of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix on 6 November that year. The anthem with Welter's words was first performed on 23 January 1920, Charlotte's 24th birthday, at the Te Deum service at Notre-Dame Cathedral by the cathedral choir, as an "anthem for the House of Luxembourg-Nassau-Bourbon". Around the same time, Luxembourg Cathedral organist Jean-Pierre Beicht harmonised the anthem for a four-piece choir. Welter subsequently dropped the first verse he had written for the anthem, which was marked too strongly by the events of the time, leaving it with the version of today.In 1939, half a year before the German invasion of Luxembourg, a slightly altered version of Willy Georgen's 1915 lyrics were published, but they did not become popular.
Lyrics Although Nik Welter's lyrics from 1919 remain today, most Luxembourgers do not know them, as typically only the melody is played on official occasions.=== Second lyrics ===Luxembourgish originalIPA transcription=== Original lyrics ===Luxembourgish originalEnglish translationGerman translationFrench translation'''I'''Two royal children in true lovebecame separated widely and deeply;two royal children in true lovealso prayed silently for peace:Today, they show to the entire worldin a fieldthe gold lilies with the red Crown Lion;today, they bear in young happiness, hand in hand,the hope of the Luxembourg land. '''II'''Now the storm is over, misery is gone,all mankind walks freely into the light.Now the storm is over, misery is gone:Luxembourg remains master in its own house.After a long night, the sky brought usa new springand gives to you a green bunch of peace.Let us stand happily together, hand in hand,Great and small in the Luxembourg land. '''III'''We have proclaimed loyalty in hard times,have stood upright for freedom and for the country.We have proclaimed loyalty in hard times,have provided it to you as your pledge.And when new danger threatens you,we are ready,We stand steadfast with heart and desire.There it stands strong and proud, hand in hand,The people of the Luxembourg land. '''IV'''So it will ever stand united,trustful in joy and misfortune.So it will ever stand united,happily perform its duty for throne and country.A strong trunk on ancient soiland twice worthy,rising its strong top freely towards the sun.O Lord God, protect and guide, hand in hand,The people of the Luxembourg land!
See also * "Ons Heemecht", the national anthem of Luxembourg* "Het Wilhelmus", the national anthem of the Netherlands
Notes
References
External links *  "Les usages protocolaires de la Cour" Protocols of the court incl. sound file and score of "De Wilhelmus" (in French)