Luxembourg — A new chapter began for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on Friday as Grand Duke Henri officially abdicated after a 25-year reign, passing the crown to his eldest son, Guillaume. The historic transition took place during a formal ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace on October 3, 2025.
Grand Duke Henri, 70, concluded his largely ceremonial role in a move that had been anticipated since his Christmas address on December 24, 2024. The abdication ceremony was attended by national dignitaries, including Prime Minister Luc Frieden and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler.
Following the abdication, the new sovereign, Grand Duke Guillaume, 43, was sworn in before Luxembourg's 60-member parliament. In his inaugural address, he swore an oath of allegiance to the country's constitution and emphasized the symbolic importance of the monarchy, particularly during times of crisis, while expressing his deep commitment to the nation's well-being.
The day's events were marked by public celebration, with enthusiastic crowds gathering outside the Grand Ducal Palace to welcome their new head of state. After the swearing-in ceremony, Grand Duke Guillaume, accompanied by the royal family, greeted the public from the palace balcony.
The transition was witnessed by prominent European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, underscoring the significance of the event on the international stage.
The path to the throne was a carefully planned transition. Earlier, Henri had appointed his son as the Lieutenant-Representative, a constitutional role that transferred most of the monarch's powers to Guillaume, allowing him to prepare for his future duties.
This succession continues a long tradition of peaceful leadership transitions within Luxembourg's constitutional monarchy. Grand Duke Guillaume becomes the seventh grand duke to rule the nation since 1890. In the coming days, his symbols will be integrated into official state institutions. To mark the accession, a national tour and a celebratory Mass are scheduled for the weekend.