Grand Duke Henri Abdicates Luxembourg Throne Son Guillaume Sworn In

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicated the throne after a 25-year reign, passing the title to his son, Guillaume, in a historic ceremony attended by royals and European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Guillaume, 43, took an oath to uphold Luxembourg's constitution and pledged to live closely with his people, emphasizing unity and freedom in his first speech as grand duke. The transition marks a continuation of Luxembourg's constitutional monarchy, where the grand duke's role is largely ceremonial but symbolic of national stability and international representation. Guillaume has a background of international education and work experience, and is married to Grand Duchess Stéphanie with whom he has two young sons. Luxembourg, a small but affluent country, plays a significant role in the European Union and is a leading financial hub. The abdication was part of a planned phased transfer of power, with Guillaume serving as lieutenant-representative before officially becoming grand duke.