Taking a look at the Grand Ducal Palace

Ahead of the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, we look at the building at the centre of the abdication – the Grand Ducal Palace.

The Grand Ducal Palace is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, where he undertakes many of his duties as the monarch, and it is there that Grand Duke Henri will sign his abdication documents on 3 October.

The building was originally the first city hall for Luxembourg City before taking on other government roles as the centuries moved on. It wasn’t until 1817 that it became a residence for the governor, who represented the Dutch grand dukes.

It has been damaged several times by fire and sieges by foreign lands, but each time, it was rebuilt to lead the government.

It was renovated in 1883, and by 1890, the palace was reserved for the House of Nassau-Weilburg. During this time, it also housed the Chamber of Deputies until the government moved into a building beside the royal residence.

Luxembourg’s first independent monarch, Grand Duke Adolphe, had the palace renovated after the union of Luxembourg and the Netherlands ended. The renovations included guest accommodations and a new wing with family rooms.

By World War II, the Grand Ducal Palace was under the control of the Nazis during the German occupation of Luxembourg. Furniture, art and jewellery were destroyed by the Nazis, and it wasn’t until the liberation in 1945 when Grand Duchess Charlotte returned from exile that the palace went back into the hands of the royal family.

Another restoration took place during the reign of Grand Duke Jean from 1991 to 1996.

Inside the Grand Ducal Palace. By MrSkylarMan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Use of the Grand Ducal Palace for the monarch is written in Article 44 of the Constitution of Luxembourg. The monarch undertakes royal duties at the palace and welcomes visitors on diplomatic visits. Receptions and the annual Christmas Eve address to the nation also take place there.

It is open to the public for tours during the summer months. It costs 18.00€ for adults and 9€ for children aged four to 12. Anyone under four gets in free. All proceeds go to the Foundation of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.

In 2025, it was open from Thursday, 17 July to Sunday, 31 August 2025.