October 3, 2025 was a memorable date for many people, for Gen Z and Millennials it was “Mean Girls Day” an homage to the Lindsay Lohan flick, for Swifties it was the release of Taylor Swift’s latest album, but for Luxembourgers, it was the day they recevied a new ruler as the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg abdicated his throne after 25 years.
Prince Guillaukme (43) is taking over the reins of the country from his father, along with his wife, Princess Stéphanie.
Heri originally made the announcement in his Christmas speech, saying, “I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country.”
The historic handover — only the second abdication in Luxembourg’s modern history — was marked by a day of pomp and ceremony in the tiny yet wealthy Grand Duchy.
The abdication ceremony took place at Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Palace, where Grand Duke Henri, 69, signed the formal document relinquishing the throne. His successor, 43-year-old Guillaume, was then sworn in before the Chamber of Deputies, the country’s parliament, promising to uphold the nation’s democratic values and continue his father’s legacy. He is the country’s seventh Grand Duke since the monarchy was established in 1890.
Outside, cheering crowds lined the cobblestoned streets of Luxembourg City, waving the red, white and blue flag as the newly minted Grand Duke and his wife, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie, appeared on the palace balcony with their two young sons, Prince Charles, five, and Prince François, two.
Royals from the Netherlands and Belgium attended the ceremonies. Following the official ceremony, numerous celebrations took place throughout the small European nation on Saturday and Sunday. Some of which were livestreamed on the Luxembourg Royal Family website.
Educated in the UK and Switzerland, Grand Duke Guillaume has long represented Luxembourg abroad and championed mental health awareness and youth employment initiatives in the country.
In his first speech as sovereign, he said, “I will live the life of my people, from whom I do not want to be separated by any barrier. I will share their joys and sufferings.”
His mother, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and wife, Stéphanie, are expected to play key roles in the transition.
Grand Duke Henri, who ascended to the throne in 2000, has been widely respected for his steady leadership and quiet dignity. His reign saw Luxembourg continue to flourish as one of Europe’s most prosperous nations, while maintaining a close-knit, family-first image that has endeared the royals to their people.
The abdication is said to be a carefully planned decision rather than a reaction to ill health — Henri has long hinted at his desire to step aside while still active enough to support his son in transition.
