The Grand Duke Henri appears to be in positive spirits on the cover of the latest issue of the French magazine Paris Match, posing with a Eurasian eagle-owl also known as a “Grand-duc d’Europe” in French. Behind him stands the mighty Vianden Castle.
In the article, Grand Duke Henri opens up about the six weeks before his abdication and admits that he is feeling “better and better’” with the knowledge that complete freedom is on the horizon. He also shared that he has full confidence in his son Guillaume, who will officially take over as Luxembourg’s Head of State on 3 October.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa is also featured in the interview, gushing over the strong bond the couple share. She explains that she wants to continue her social commitments, as does Grand Duke Henri, in environmental protection and the International Olympic Committee.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa will retire to their residence in Fischbach Castle, where their children grew up. The couple “is looking forward to their new freedom’” and admits that living a life under close scrutiny has not always been easy. Maria Teresa told Paris Match that she dreams of road trips in Europe, while Henri sees himself riding a motorbike in the Himalayas.
