Grand Duke of Luxembourg announces abdication in favor of son

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has announced his decision to abdicate in favor of his son, Guillaume, who will officially take the throne in October 2025. The 69-year-old monarch made the surprising announcement during his final annual Christmas address, marking the end of his 24-year reign.

Guillaume, 43, who has already taken on many of his father's responsibilities as Lieutenant-Representant in recent months, will formally assume the title of Grand Duke on October 3, 2025, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Henri’s abdication comes just months after Queen Margrethe of Denmark also announced her resignation after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to become King in January. In his farewell message, Henri expressed pride in his long service to Luxembourg, reflecting on the nation’s significant transformations during his reign.

He noted that while the Grand Duke remains above political debates, he has always spoken out when the country’s fundamental interests were at stake, focusing on coexistence, sustainability, and the well-being of future generations.

Henri had hinted at stepping down earlier in the year, when Guillaume was appointed Lieutenant-Representant, a move that traditionally signals a change in reign. This announcement was made on Luxembourg’s National Day, and though it took the public by surprise, it had been discussed privately for some time. Prime Minister Luc Frieden described the appointment as the beginning of a new chapter for the monarchy.

Grand Duke Henri, the eldest son of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte, ascended to the throne in 2000 following his father’s abdication. He is married to Maria Teresa Mestre, and together they have five children: Guillaume, Alexandra, Louis, Félix, and Sébastien. Henri, who turned 69 in April, had previously mentioned his intention to retire at some point, and his abdication now sets the stage for a new era for Luxembourg’s royal family.

By Vafa Guliyeva