Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg revealed today that he plans to hand the throne to his son after 24 years on the throne.
The monarch, 69, announced his ‘abdication’ on National Day, an annual event that brings together members of the grand ducal family, members of the government and members of parliament to celebrate the grand duke’s official birthday.
Henri will pass this new title to his 42-year-old son, Prince Guillaume, in October, having expressed interest in retiring earlier this year.
He said during the celebration: ‘In this context, I, together with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie, would like to inform you that I have decided to transfer the Lieutenancy to Prince Guillaume this October.
‘With all my love and trust, I wish you a happy hand with all my heart.’
Grand Duke Henri will pass this new title to his 42-year-old son, Prince Guillaume, in October (both pictured in 2022)
Grand Duke Henry announced his ‘abdication’ on National Day, an annual celebration of the Monarch’s birthday.
After the announcement, the Grand Duke was very excited and kissed his son while the room applauded.
This change means that Grand Duke Henri will retain his official title, but will be represented by his son, Guillaume.
According to the official Palace website, “the appointment of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs in the process of change of reign.”
Grand Duke Henry is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke John and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte and ascended the throne. in 2000, after his father abdicated after a 36-year reign.
He is married to María Teresa Mestre, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. and the couple has five children together; Prince Guillaume, Princess Alexandra, Prince Louis, Prince Félix and Prince Sébastien.
He turned 69 in April and admitted that he “intends to retire at some point” in an interview with a French publication. Free.
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is pictured with his son, Prince Guillaume, and grandson, Prince Charles in 2020.
Different country, same story: King Frederick, Queen Mary and Queen Margaret of Denmark pictured in May: Frederick was named monarch after Queen Margaret of Denmark abdicated
‘All this is planned in family consultation. “I think it’s very important to give young people a perspective.”
“There are plans, it will happen,” continued the Grand Duke.
His comments come after the abdication of Queen Margaret of Denmark, who decided to renounce the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederick to take over as king on January 14.
In a statement revealing the news, the former Danish monarch said: “I have decided that now is the right time.”
‘On January 14, 2024, 52 years after following my beloved father, I will step back as Queen of Denmark. She left the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederick.
Like Grand Duke Henry, Margaret still holds the title, but Frederick and his wife Mary now assume the duties of King and Queen.
