Royal announces plan to abdicate in his Christmas speech

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is stepping down from the throne four days before what would have been his Silver Jubilee. On Christmas Eve, the royal announced that he will be abdicating in favor of his son Prince Guillaume next fall. 

"The year 2024 is drawing to a close, and Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the past year. This time, I do so with great emotion, as it is the last time that I will deliver the Christmas speech as Head of State," the Grand Duke began his 2024 Christmas speech on Tuesday. "As you know, Prince Guillaume has been Lieutenant-Représentant since 8 October and is preparing intensively for his accession to the throne. And, in order to make this speech more exciting, I won't tell you until the end when it will take place."

"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 able to be part of that journey with you, together with the Grand Duchess," he continued. "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. All were moments that have made us reflect and brought us closer together as a nation. And we have remained united to make Luxembourg even more inviting and sustainable. We have always taken targeted measures to ensure that none of us are left behind or excluded. The strength, and indeed the future, of our society lies in its ability to show solidarity.

The 69 year old noted that "for most" of his generation, "the time has now come to retire." He said, "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."

The Grand Duke revealed that his 43-year-old son Prince Guillaume and daughter-in-law Princess Stéphanie will succeed him and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa on October 3, 2025. "I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country," Henri said. He concluded his remarks saying, "Together with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume, Princess Stéphanie and all our children, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year."

Henri has been the head of state of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg since Oct. 7, 2000. The Grand Duke and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have five children. Prince Guillaume is the eldest of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess' kids. After his father's accession to the throne in 2000, Guillaume became the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The Prince is married to Stéphanie, whom he shares sons Prince Charles and Prince François with. Festive photos of the family of four were released last week, along with a Christmas greeting. "At this festive time of year, the Hereditary Grand Ducal Couple would like to share new family photos with you," the Grand Ducal Court said in a press release (translated to English). "They wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"