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Luxembourg

Royal guest list revealed for abdication in Luxembourg as final countdown begins

By
15th September 2025
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa enjoy jubilee celebrations

The royal guest list for the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has been revealed with just under three weeks to go until he hands over his throne to his eldest son.

And it will be a family affair in more ways than one for the Grand Duke who will step aside on October 3 2025 after almost 25 years.

He will be joined by his cousin, King Philippe of the Belgians, as he signs the instrument of abdication that will bring his reign to an end and start the tenure of his son, Guillaume.

King Philippe will be accompanied by his wife, Queen Mathilde, and by their eldest child, Princess Elisabeth. The heir to the Belgian throne, who also holds the traditional title of Duchess of Brabant, will travel to Luxembourg ahead of starting a new year at Harvard where she is currently studying.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie
Guillaume and his wife, Stephanie, become Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg on October 3
(© Maison du Grand-Duc / Christian Aschman)

The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, will also be at the abdication with his wife, Queen Maxima. The heir to the Dutch throne, Princess Catharina-Amalia, will also take part in the events marking the start of a new reign in Luxembourg.

No other royal guests have been announced for the abdication which will take place in the daytime followed by a gala banquet in the evening.

That gala dinner will be attended by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte.

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his partner, Elke Büdenbender, will be at the evening event, too, as will Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and her husband, Ukko, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

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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.