Grand Duke Henri announces abdication in Christmas Eve address

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg announced he would abdicate the throne next year in his Christmas Eve address to the Luxembourgish people.

After naming his son and heir, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, as Regent this past October, he revealed in his festive speech that he will officially abdicate on 3 October 2025.

He said: “I firmly believe in the next generation. It will take responsibility for a world that is hopefully more peaceful and sustainable.

“For most of my generation, the time has now come to retire. It’s a natural process that has its raison d’être. This also applies to me. On our last National Day, I announced the appointment of Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Représentant. Today, the Grand Duchess and I are pleased to share with you that Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie will succeed us on October the 3rd, 2025.”

He then shared his firm belief that Guillaume and Stéphanie will do their best for Luxembourg: “I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country.”