2025: the year of the abdication of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg

In his traditional Christmas speech, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, aged 69, made a crucial announcement to his country.

The monarch has declared that he will abdicate this year in favor of his son, William, aged 43. He has even specified the date: October 3.

"For most people of my generation, the time has now come to step back, to withdraw. It is a natural process that has its reason for being and that applies to me as well," the monarch said, as quoted by Vanity Fair.

"Today, the Grand Duchess and I are pleased to announce that Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie will be our successors from 3 October 2025. I know that they will contribute with all their strength to the well-being of the country," he added.

Born in 1955, Henri is the eldest son of the five children of the former Grand Duke Jean, who also abdicated in his favor. He acceded to the throne in 2000, bringing his reign to 25 years.

Referring to "major changes", he recalled a "quarter century of challenges, opportunities and hope for a better future, thanks to numerous technological and economic advances and societal developments", underlines Paris-Match.

For example, in 2010, Henry of Luxembourg replaced male primogeniture with absolute primogeniture in the order of succession to the throne. From now on, the crown goes to the first child of the Grand Duke, whether male or female.

The reigning Grand Duke himself had five children with Maria Teresa Mestre: Crown Prince Guillaume, Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Sebastian.

HRH Prince Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau and Bourbon-Parma, was born in 1981. Alongside his institutional activities, he is passionate about sports and music.

Guillaume married Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy in 2012. The couple had two sons, the future Hereditary Grand Duke Charles, born in 2020, and François, born in 2023.

The Grand Duke of Luxembourg has a variety of responsibilities: as head of state, he is the guarantor of its independence and unity. He appoints the government based on the results of elections, receives state visits, and represents his country abroad.

To ensure a smooth transition, Henry recently appointed his eldest son as Lieutenant Representative of the country, a position that provides for a delegation of power from the sovereign.

The Grand Duke concluded his speech by expressing his confidence in the next generation, which "will take responsibility for a world that is hopefully more peaceful and sustainable."

For Henri de Luxembourg, "climate change is probably the greatest challenge of the future." He also mentioned "geopolitical tensions, wars, and recurring economic upheavals."

Quoted by Paris-Match, William of Luxembourg assured that he wanted to reign "with the same distinction" as his father. "Of course, with my own style, my personality, and my own experience," he added.

The small state of Luxembourg is the last grand duchy in the world. See you next October to witness William's coronation!