The leader of one of the smallest and richest countries in Europe has just abdicated after 25
Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, along with his wife, the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, after signing the abdication acts, photo: Inf Images / Profimedia
The great Duke Henri officially abdicated after 25 years as head of the state of Luxembourg, marking the end of an era and opening the way for his son, Guillaume, to take lead, reports RTL.
After 25 years in front of the state of Luxembourg, the great Duke Henri officially abdicated Friday morning, marking the end of an era for the Great Duchy. The formal abdication ceremony took place at the Palace of the Great Duchy, in the presence of the royal family, of the government officials and the invited dignitaries.
Henri, 70 years old, climbed to the throne in October 2000, after his father's abdication, the great Duke Jean. Throughout his reign, he became known as a unifying figure, presiding over a period of political stability, economic growth and consolidation of the role of Luxembourg in international affairs, according to RTL.
His education was conducted in Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, and Henri studied political science at the University of Geneva, and then attending the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Before his access to the throne, he held the title of great heir, preparing for his constitutional duties and representing the Luxembourg abroad.
As a sovereign, Henri had a ceremonial role, but remained a central symbol of continuity. His reign was marked by constitutional reforms that clarified the power balance between the monarchy and the chosen government, as well as the increase of the Luxembourg profile within the European Union and international diplomacy.
He is succeeded by his eldest son, the Grand Duke Guillaume, 43 -year -old, who is about to become the new Great Duke. Guillaume has been prepared for a long time for this role, accompanying his father to official events and assuming increased responsibilities since he was called Lieutenant-representative in 2024.
Henri and his wife, the great Duchess Maria Teresa, have five children. The couple has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, Maria Teresa noting by promoting humanitarian and social causes over the years on the throne.
With this transition, Luxemburul now enters a new chapter, while Henri retires, and the Great Duke Guillaume takes over.
