On December 24, 2024, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg captured the hearts of his nation with his traditional Christmas speech, marking not just the festive season but also the momentous announcement of his upcoming abdication. At 69 years old, Henri is preparing to pass the throne to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, who has been taking on state responsibilities as his Lieutenant-Representative since October.
The date of the actual transition is set for October 3, 2025, aligning with the anniversary of Henri's own investiture, as the Grand Duke pointed out with evident emotional weight. "Chers concitoyens, l’année 2024 touche à sa fin et Noël est le moment idéal pour contempler l’année écoulée. Cette fois, je le fais avec une grande émotion, car c’est la dernière fois que je prononcerai le discours de Noël en tant que chef de l’État," he shared during his heartfelt address.
This announcement echoed the historical precedent set by his father, Grand Duke Jean, who had similarly revealed his abdication plans during his Christmas address 25 years prior. The symbolism of the occasion was not lost on the audience, as Henri reflected on his own quarter-century of reign, which began on October 7, 2000.
Henri's speech was more than just a succession announcement; it served as his retrospective on the transformative years for Luxembourg. He stated, "Ce fut une période au cours de laquelle le Luxembourg a connu de grandes mutations et je suis heureux d’avoir pu, avec la Grande-Duchesse, faire partie ce cheminement avec vous,” underlining the evolutionary path the nation has traversed during his governance.
Throughout his reign, the Grand Duke has witnessed monumental changes, spanning technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and societal shifts. He described this period as filled with "défis, d’opportunités et d’espoir pour un avenir meilleur,” emphasizing the resilience of the Luxembourgish people through times of both challenge and growth.
With poignant humility, Henri also paid tribute to the citizens of Luxembourg, acknowledging their integral role. "Le Luxembourg, c’est vous tous qui vivez et travaillez ici, qui l’incarnez," he stated, conveying his gratitude for their unwavering solidarity and strength. His message celebrated the nation’s unique fabric as "un carrefour de cultures, de langues, de modes de vie, un lieu de dialogue et d’échange,” painting Luxembourg as a beacon of multiculturalism and collaboration.
Looking to the future, Henri expressed his confidence in the next generation, instilling hope as he handed the torch to Guillaume and his wife, Princess Stéphanie. "Aujourd’hui, la Grande-Duchesse et moi sommes heureux de vous annoncer que le Prince Guillaume et la Princesse Stéphanie seront nos successeurs à partir du 3 octobre 2025,” he proclaimed with pride.
Henri's assurance reflected his belief in their ability to uplift the nation: "Je sais que le prince Guillaume et la princesse Stéphanie contribueront de toutes leurs forces au bien-être du pays.” His faith extends not only to their leadership but also to their commitment to preserve the welfare of the Luxembourgish people.
He concluded with warm wishes, denoting this final address as not just of farewell but as openness to the bright prospects of Luxembourg's future. The Grand Duke remarked, "C’est un processus naturel qui a sa raison d’être et qui s’applique également à moi," endorsing the notion of his abdication as part of life’s natural course.
Grand Duke Henri’s parting words encapsulated his royal dedication and unyielding love for his country, positioned firmly within a narrative of hope and continuity. The nation now looks forward to welcoming Prince Guillaume’s leadership, inspired by the legacy of unity and progress established by his father. With both nostalgia and excitement, people are now left to anticipate what the next chapter of Luxembourg will hold under the new leadership.
