Kings and queens are headed to Luxembourg where, in just a few days’ time, an abdication takes place that will change the country’s monarchy and outlook forever.
The royal guest list for the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was 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.
(© 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.
