© Maison du Grand-Duc
On Tuesday 8 October, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will officially become the Grand-Duke's "Lieutenant representative", as was announced by his father Grand Duke Henri on 23 June of this year.
On 23 June, Grand Duke Henri announced the appointment of his son, Crown Prince Guillaume, as "Lieutenant Representative" – Guillaume will endorse the role on 8 October.
This move does not signify the Grand Duke's abdication but is seen as a step in that direction, as he will delegate certain responsibilities to his "Lieutenant Representative."
History repeats itself
On 28 April 1961, Prince Jean was appointed as the representative of his mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, taking his oath at the palace on 4 May 1961. Three years later, Charlotte abdicated. Similarly, in 1998, Grand Duke Jean appointed his son, Henri, as "Lieutenant Representative." The official ceremony took place on 4 March 1998.
Straight from our archives, watch Grand Duke Henri's oath in Luxembourgish
What are the responsibilities of the "Lieutenant-Représentant"?
According to the Luxembourg Constitution, the Grand Duke may appoint a "Prince of the blood" as his representative under the title "Lieutenant of the Grand Duke." This person assumes nearly the same rights as the head of state.
Grand Duke Henri can delegate all or part of his duties to the Lieutenant Representative in consultation with the government, documented in an official text that, by Luxembourg tradition, remains unpublished.
In 2025, Grand Duke Henri will celebrate his 25th year on the throne and his 70th birthday, fueling speculation of a potential abdication in the autumn.
If you want to witness the ceremony
RTL will broadcast live coverage on Tuesday, 8 October, starting at 2:50 pm. At 4:00 pm, Crown Prince Guillaume will leave the Chamber of Deputies and greet the public in front of the palace.
Watch video report in Luxembourgish
