Royal Family Announces Major Shakeup on Christmas Eve….Read More

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg followed in his father’s footsteps on Dec. 25, 2024.

The royal family announced a major shakeup ahead of Christmas Day when Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicated the throne.

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, Grand Duke Henri, 69, revealed his abdication during a Christmas Eve speech. His reign began in 2000 and will end on Oct. 3, 2025.

The year 2024 is drawing to a close, and Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the past year. This time, I do so with great emotion, as it is the last time that I will deliver the Christmas speech as Head of State,” Grand Duke Henri said in his speech

When I look back today, after almost 25 years, I do so with deep gratitude and humility,” he continued. “It has been a period during which Luxembourg has made much progress, and I am pleased to have been able to be part of that journey with you, together with the Grand Duchess.”

Grand Duke Henri later added: “It has been a quarter of a century of challenges, opportunities and hopes for a better future: of technological and economic progress, of social change, but also of many conflicts. All were moments that made us reflect and brought us closer together as a nation.”

His son, Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, 43, and his wife, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie de Lannoy, 40, will take his and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa’s place in October.

I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country,” Grand Duke Henri said.

Interestingly, his late father, Grand Duke Jean, abdicated on Christmas Eve in 1999 after nearly 36 years on the throne.