- Henri signed abdication document at age 70
- Guillaume takes oath as seventh head of state
- Event held in the Grand Ducal Palace
- Belgian royal family attended the ceremony
- Guillaume is married to Stéphanie de Lannoy
- Henri ruled for 25 years before abdicating
On October 3, 2025, Henri, aged 70, abdicated the throne of Luxembourg, officially handing over duties to his son, Guillaume, who then took the oath of office as Grand Duke.
Abdication Ceremony Details
The abdication took place at the Grand Ducal Palace without traditional regalia. Henri signed the abdication act, then Guillaume, aged 43, took the oath as the seventh head of state of Luxembourg.
At midday, Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie appeared on the palace balcony. They are parents to two children, Charles and François, and Stéphanie previously worked in an investment firm.
Notable guests included King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, along with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Crown Princess Elisabeth traveled from the united states for the event.
Family and Historical Context
The Luxembourg royal family maintains close ties with Belgium. Henri is the son of Princess Joséphine Charlotte, the sister of Belgian Kings Albert II and Baudouin. Henri married Maria-Teresa in 1981.
Henri announced his abdication in his Christmas speech, reflecting on 25 years of reign filled with challenges and hopes for the future. He expressed confidence in the next generation for a more peaceful world.
