Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicates, Guillaume sworn in as new leader

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – On October 3, 2025, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg officially abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Guillaume, who immediately took the oath of office just minutes later before the Luxembourgish parliament.

Grand Duke Guillaume began his reign on Friday, pledging to “uphold the Constitution and the laws.” At 10 a.m., Grand Duke Henri, aged 70, closed a significant chapter of Luxembourg’s monarchy. He signed the abdication document, marking the end of his 25-year rule.

Shortly thereafter, at 11 a.m., Guillaume, at 43 years old, was sworn in as the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg in front of the Chamber of Deputies. This tradition of abdication has roots, tracing back to the abdication of Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde in 1919. Previous royals such as Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Charlotte also abdicated in favor of their successors.

Grand Duke Henri chose to pass the throne to Guillaume after 25 years of dedicated service. The abdication ceremony took place at the Grand Ducal Palace, attended by the entire Grand Ducal family, Belgium‘s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and the heir to the Belgian throne, Princess Élisabeth. The Dutch royal family, including King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, were also present.

Guillaume had served as Grand Duke heir for 25 years, taking on responsibilities as lieutenant-representative since October 2024. This role prepared him for his duties as head of state. During the ceremony, speeches were delivered by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Chamber President Claude Wiseler, highlighting the symbolic importance of the Grand Duke amid political continuity.

Guillaume’s oath confirmed his official status as the head of state of Luxembourg, the world’s last Grand Duchy. According to Luxembourg’s constitution, the government acts as head of state temporarily until the new Grand Duke is sworn in.

The Chamber of Deputies serves as the unicameral parliament, consisting of 60 deputies, with Wiseler as its president since 2023. Luxembourg mandates voters aged 18 to 75 to participate in elections. The Parliament building, which dates back to 1860, is adjacent to the Grand Ducal Palace.

During the ceremony, both speeches underscored the constitutional monarchy’s role in preserving national unity and independence. In his inaugural address, Grand Duke Guillaume notably chose to stand rather than sit while delivering his speech from the throne, marking a departure from tradition.

This ceremony not only represented a significant transition for the Luxembourg monarchy but also highlighted the new Grand Duke’s expectations of reliability in his duties. As the ceremonial head of state, he is expected to promote stability and continuity.

Guillaume and his family, including his wife Princess Stéphanie and their two young sons, will not reside in the traditional Château de Berg, but rather in a family home being constructed in the park of Berg. The former Grand Duke and Grand Duchess will return to Château de Fischbach.

Three days of festivities are planned in Luxembourg, concluding with the traditional Te Deum on Sunday. Notable attendees, including King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and several European political leaders, will participate in the celebrations.