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Royal News

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg arrives at royal palace to abdicate his throne after 25 years

By
3rd October 2025
Grand DUke Henri ahead of his abdication

The last moments of the reign of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg are under way after he arrived at the royal palace to abdicate his throne.

At 10am local time on October 3 2025, the Grand Duke will sign the instrument of abdication inside the Grand Ducal Palace, bringing to an end a reign that has lasted a quarter of a century.

He will be succeeded by his eldest son, Guillaume, who will become the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

The new Grand Duke will then travel to the Chamber of Deputies to be sworn in. At his side will be Luxembourg’s new Grand Duchess, Stephanie.

Grand Duke Henri smiled and waved as he greeted guests at the Grand Ducal Palace.

His wife of 44 years, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, was at his side. She appeared emotional as her husband’s reign ended and the rule of her son approached.

Crowds had turned out to see the royals on this historic day with the red carpet rolled out in front of the palace early in the morning ahead of hours of ceremonies that will also see the new Grand Duke and Duchess meet politicians at a special reception.

The evening of this historic day will include a gala dinner which will be attended by the President of France and the President of Germany.

King Williem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians will attend the abdication ceremony as well as events marking the accession of Grand Duke Guillaume.

The heirs to the Dutch and Belgian thrones, Princess Amalia and Princess Elisabeth, will also be present.

A close up of an official portrait of Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg in which she wears a blue dress, a diamond tiara and aquamarines

Europe’s newest consort chooses historic tiara for first portrait

Henri became Grand Duke of Luxembourg on October 7 2000 on the abdication of his own father, Grand Duke Jean.

The future Grand Duke Guillaume was born in November 1981 and has been heir to the throne of Luxembourg for 25 years.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.