Full details as next royal abdication is just days away

On October 3, 2025 a new era will begin in Luxembourg with the abdication of Grand Duke Henri after 25 years of service. He passes the baton to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, who has been serving as lieutenant representative for nearly a year.

Luxembourg will also introduce a new royal monogram on October 3, coinciding with the change of throne. The stylised 'H' of Grand Duke Henri will be replaced by a 'G' for the future Grand Duke Guillaume. The symbol will be rolled out across official institutions, appearing on the uniforms of the army, police, CGDIS, customs, and prison officers.

Celebrations will take place across three days, beginning with the formal handover of head of state duties from Grand Duke Henri to his son. The formal abdication of Grand Duke Henri will happen at 10am at the Grand Ducal Palace, in Luxembourg City, followed by Guillaume's swearing in at the Chamber of Deputies.

The family will then appear on the palace balcony in the capital just after noon, followed by a reception at City Hall.

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa understand that "life doesn't stop," which is why their main goal now is to live life to the fullest, enjoying their surroundings and the little pleasures they have never fully experienced due to their position, it has been reported.

"Even though it's a very privileged life, it's also a kind of golden cage," he said, adding that there is "a lack of freedom."

Praising his "wonderful wife," whom he can "share everything," he admitted that he has an inner circle of friends to share quality time with, hoping they get to spend more time together.

The transition will see him return to being Henri of Nassau. The Grand Duke will continue to support environmental initiatives and will remain a member of the International Olympic Committee until the age of 80.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, also known as Crown Prince, will succeed his father as Grand Duke. His wife, Crown Princess Stephanie, will become Grand Duchess Stephanie.

Guillaume, 43, and Stephanie, 41, have two young sons: Prince Charles, five, and Prince François, two.

Notably, Prince Charles, will now be the new heir and the youngest heir in Europe.

Guillaume and Stephanie married on October 20, 2012, at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg in Luxembourg City.

The formal abdication of Grand Duke Henri will happen at 10am at the Grand Ducal Palace on October 3, in Luxembourg City, followed by Guillaume's swearing in at the Chamber of Deputies.

Grand Duke Henri announced that he would be abdicating during National Day celebrations on June 23, 2025, initially without giving a precise date.

The transfer of powers from father to son officially began on October 8, 2024, allowing Guillaume to carry out a number of the duties and responsibilities required of him once he formally accedes the throne.

During the announcement speech, Grand Duke Henri said: "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.'

Of his son and daughter-in-law, he continued: "I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country."