Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri officially abdicated his throne on October 3, 2025, concluding a 25-year reign and ushering in a new era with his eldest son, Guillaume, ascending as the new Grand Duke. The historic transition of power occurred in Luxembourg, with key ceremonies held at the Grand Ducal Palace and the Chamber of Deputies.
Grand Duke Henri, aged 70, signed the Act of Abdication at 10:00 AM local time, formally ending his quarter-century rule. Following this, the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, took the constitutional oath at the Chamber of Deputies and delivered his enthronement speech, officially becoming the new head of state. This succession follows a carefully planned announcement made by Grand Duke Henri during his National Day speech on June 23, 2024, allowing over a year for public preparation.
The abdication and enthronement involved prominent figures including Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke Guillaume, and the Grand Ducal family. Key institutions such as the Grand Ducal Palace, the Chamber of Deputies, and the Luxembourg City Hall played central roles in the day's events. The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of distinguished foreign dignitaries, including members of the Dutch and Belgian royal families, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender.
This transfer of power reflects the stability and continuity of the Luxembourgish monarchy. Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, had been prepared for this role, having been appointed Lieutenant Representative on October 8, 2024, to assume many of his father's constitutional duties. This tradition of planned succession is deeply rooted in Luxembourg's history, with Grand Duke Jean abdicating in 2000 for Henri, and Grand Duke Charlotte abdicating in 1964 for Jean.
A significant legal update occurred in 2011 when Luxembourg adopted absolute primogeniture, ensuring that succession is based on birth order regardless of gender. This change first applied to Grand Duke Henri's descendants, including his son Guillaume, his wife Grand Duchess Stéphanie, and their two sons: Prince Charles, born in 2020, who is now the world's youngest heir apparent at five years old, and Prince François, born in 2023, who is second in line to the throne. Grand Duke Henri's 25-year reign was marked by notable achievements, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014 and the establishment of the University of Luxembourg in 2003. His abdication, occurring shortly before his 25th reign anniversary, signifies his view of it as a natural progression to pass the mantle to the next generation. Grand Duke Henri and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, will now retire to their residence at Fischbach Castle.