Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has announced that he will step down in October 2025, handing over the throne to his son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume.
Henri made the announcement during his Christmas address on December 24, emphasizing that it would be his last speech as head of state. He added that it was time to pass on responsibility to the next generation to strive for a more peaceful and stable world.
The 69-year-old Henri has been on the throne since October 2000, succeeding his father, Grand Duke Jean. Henri is the eldest son of Jean and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium.
Preparations for the transition began in June 2023 when Henri granted Guillaume a representative status during Luxembourg’s National Day celebrations.
The 43-year-old Prince Guillaume, Henri’s eldest son, has been married to Belgian Countess Princess Stéphanie de Lannoy since October 2012. The couple has two sons.
