Grand Duke Henri has announced that 3 October 2025 will be the date when the Hereditary Grand Duke will become Luxembourg's new head of state, a pivotal moment in the country's history.
On 3 October 2025, nearly a year after being sworn in as Grand Duke Henri's Lieutenant Representative, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will officially become the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg, as announced by Grand Duke Henri in his Christmas speech. Here's what you need to know about this transfer of power.
On 8 October, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume was formally appointed Lieutenant Representative of Grand Duke Henri, marking a key step toward his accession to the throne. At the ceremony, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume described the appointment as "a double proof of confidence," reflecting both "the trust of a father in his son and the trust of a head of state in his successor."
The lieutenancy: A form of "power of attorney"
This appointment, the sixth in the history of the Grand Ducal Court, serves as a significant step toward the throne. Luxembourg's Constitution allows the Grand Duke to be represented by a direct descendant of Grand Duke Adolphe, a special provision that grants Guillaume the same rights as the Grand Duke. In discussions with the government, the Head of State has delegated certain responsibilities to the Lieutenant Representative, who now takes on administrative duties previously handled by the Grand Duke.
"The idea is that the Head of State does not do everything on his own, but can delegate responsibilities," Prime Minister Luc Frieden explained at the time. "It's a kind of 'power of attorney,'" he said. However, Frieden emphasised that the Grand Duke remains the sole Head of State, symbolising national unity.
"I know they will contribute with all their strength to the well-being of the country"
With great emotion, Grand Duke Henri reiterated his trust in his son during his Christmas speech on 24 December 2024. As he explained, "This is the last time I will give the Christmas speech as head of state," before the Hereditary Grand Duke assumes the role.
In his speech, Grand Duke Henri shared his hopes for the next generation, noting that they would "assume responsibility for a world that will hopefully be more peaceful and sustainable." Reflecting on the natural process of stepping back from public life, he added, "For most people of my generation, the time has now come to retire. It's a natural process with its raison d'être, and that also applies to me."
He then revealed, "The Grand Duchess and I are happy to announce that Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie will be our successors starting 3 October 2025. I know they will contribute with all their strength to the well-being of the country."
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume's lieutenancy, therefore, will have been relatively short, lasting just one year, while some previous lieutenancies have extended for up to three years.
The date of 3 October 2025 thus marks a historic moment, as it will be the occasion of a symbolic handover of power. The event will likely be a moment of national celebration, honouring Grand Duke Henri for nearly a quarter of a century of reign, and welcoming the new Grand Duke, Guillaume.
