In a stunning Christmas Eve announcement, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg revealed his decision to abdicate the throne after 24 years as the country’s reigning monarch.
The 69-year-old leader made the announcement during his annual Christmas Eve speech, reflecting on his tenure and expressing gratitude for the progress made during his reign.
“It has been a quarter of a century of challenges, opportunities, and hopes for a better future: of technological and economic progress, of social change, but also of many conflicts,” Henri said.
“When I look back today, after almost 25 years, I do so with deep gratitude and humility. It has been a period during which Luxembourg has made much progress, and I am pleased to have been part of that journey with you and my wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.”
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Christmas Eve Abdication in Monarchy
Henri will formally abdicate on October 3, 2025, passing the throne to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, 43. Guillaume, married to Princess Stephanie de Lannoy since 2012, has two sons who are in line for the throne.
