Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg announced in his Christmas speech on Tuesday that he will abdicate on 3 October 2025 and hand over the throne to his son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume.
This announcement marks the end of nearly 25 years of Henri’s reign: his abdication date is just a few days shy of his milestone.
The eldest son of Grand Duke Jean and Princess Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium, 69-year-old Henri has been Luxembourg's head of State since 7 October 2000.
“The year 2024 is coming to an end, and Christmas is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year," he said at the beginning of his speech, which was also published on the Grand Ducal family’s website. "This time, I do so with much emotion, as it is the last time I will deliver a Christmas speech as head of state.”
Preparations for the abdication have been underway for some time. On 23 June, Luxembourg’s national holiday, Henri appointed his son Guillaume as lieutenant-representative, a significant first step toward succession.
Guillaume has been married to Princess Stéphanie de Lannoy, a Belgian countess, since October 2012. They have two sons.
“I know that Prince Guillaume and Princess Guillaume will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country,” Grand Duke Henri said. He added that he reflected on his reign with “great gratitude and humility.”
Henri also expressed confidence in the future. “I firmly believe in the next generation, which will take on the responsibility for a world that will hopefully be more peaceful and sustainable," he said. "For most of my generation, the time has now come to retire. It is a natural process."
