Surprising announcement Henri of Luxembourg prepares his abdication
Luxembourg gets a new head of state. Grand Duke Henri caused a stir with his speech at the National Day celebrations on Sunday: The 69-year-old indirectly announced his abdication.
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- Henri of Luxembourg caused a surprise on yesterday's national holiday.
- In his festive speech, the 69-year-old Grand Duke announced the imminent appointment of his son Guillaume as his official deputy.
- In Luxembourg, the title of "Governor" of the head of state is usually conferred before a change at the head of state.
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg prepares his country for a change at the head of state.
The 69-year-old head of state caused a stir with his speech at yesterday's National Day celebrations.
Henri announced the imminent appointment of his son Guillaume as his official deputy. The appointment of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume as "Lieutenant-Représentant" will take place in October.
Henri's festive speech causes astonishment among fans
This title of "Lieutenant-Représentant" of the Head of State is usually conferred in Luxembourg before a change of throne.
"With all my love and all my trust, I wish him a happy hand," said Grand Duke Henri, according to a statement from the palace.
Pictures were posted on the Grand Ducal family's Instagram account showing Henri and his wife María Teresa at the fireworks, a torchlight procession and the traditional parade. The family also published an excerpt from Henri's festive speech.
Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg had become "Lieutenant-Représentant" two and a half years before his father Jean abdicated. Grand Duke Henri has been Head of State of the second smallest country in the European Union since October 7, 2000.
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume has been married to Princess Stéphanie, a Belgian countess, since October 2012. They have two sons.
Luxembourg has been a Grand Duchy since 1815. It declared its independence in 1890, ending the personal union with the Netherlands.
Grand Duke Henri has not yet announced when exactly he intends to relinquish his office. Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world and has around 660,000 inhabitants.