Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, signed his abdication document on the morning of October 3, 2025. His son Guillaume was sworn in as the seventh head of state of Luxembourg, a country with 678,000 residents.
Royal Family and Cultural Ties
Guillaume, aged 43, took the oath in a ceremony attended by dignitaries including the Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Crown Princess Amalia. Also present were Belgian King Filip, Queen Mathilde, and Crown Princess Elisabeth, who traveled from the united states for the event.
The Luxembourg royal family maintains close connections with the Belgian monarchy. Henri’s mother, Princess Joséphine Charlotte, was the sister of former Belgian Kings Albert II and Baudouin. Henri married Maria-Teresa in 1981, and they have five children together.
Henri’s Leadership and Legacy
Henri announced his abdication in a Christmas speech in December 2024, expressing gratitude for his 25-year reign. He described Luxembourg as “a crossroads of cultures” and encouraged future generations to strive for peace and sustainability. Guillaume had already been acting as his father’s representative, taking on administrative duties in preparation for his ascension.
The Luxembourg dynasty is well-regarded among its citizens. Grand Duchess Charlotte, Henri’s grandmother, ruled from 1919 to 1964 and significantly influenced Luxembourg’s national identity. Following her reign, her son Jean became Grand Duke, abdicating in 2000 in favor of Henri.
