Henri steps down after 25 years.
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has abdicated the throne in favour of his son, Guillaume, in a ceremony attended by royals and world leaders on Friday.
The 70-year-old, Europe’s richest royal with an estimated $4 billion net worth, stepped down after 25 years as head of state at the Grand Ducal Palace.
Guillaume was crowned and sworn in.
Guillaume, 43, was formally crowned during the event and swore an oath to Luxembourg’s constitution before 60 members of the Chamber of Deputies.
The ceremony was attended by Dutch and Belgian royals and will be followed by a gala dinner, expected to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Ceremonial role continues
Although Guillaume is now grand duke, the role remains largely ceremonial, representing Luxembourg internationally.
Henri’s reign spanned a period of political and economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis — the country’s most significant economic shock since the 1970s.
Education and career path
Henri was educated in France, Switzerland, and at Sandhurst military academy in England. Guillaume followed a similar path, studying in London, Switzerland, and France, also attending Sandhurst before working in Belgian, German, and Spanish firms.
Family life
Guillaume is married to Belgian-born Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. The couple, who married in 2012, have two sons: Charles, five, and François, two.
Luxembourg’s international significance
Luxembourg, Europe’s seventh-smallest country, has grown into a major financial hub and hosts key EU institutions, including the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank.
Guillaume becomes Luxembourg’s seventh grand duke since the monarchy’s modern establishment in 1890.
Luxembourg: the world’s last grand duchy
Luxembourg is the world’s only remaining grand duchy. Guillaume will also symbolically lead the country’s 1,000-strong army, a founding member of NATO after World War II.
Challenges outlined by Henri
In his final Christmas speech, Henri highlighted the future challenges facing his son and the nation: “Climate change is probably the greatest challenge of the future, but geopolitical tensions, wars and economic upheaval also require a need for reflection.”
Henri’s abdication, announced in December 2024, marks the second European royal transition within the past year, following Queen Margrethe of Denmark handing her crown to Frederik in January after 52 years.
M10News Europe Desk | Contact: europe@m10news.com
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