Grand Duke Henri, Duke of Luxembourg, announced on Sunday, Luxembourg’s National Day, the surprise start of his abdication process, in a decision that places his son William in the position of Grand Duke, the equivalent of the prince regent in the kingdoms, ready to assume official government duties. in October.
“I have decided to hand over the lieutenant to Prince William in October,” announced 70-year-old Grand Duke Henry. “With all my love and trust, I wish you a happy leadership,” he declared. “Let us look to the future with optimism, knowing that only together can we achieve great things.”
Guilherme, 42, will be declared Deputy Grand Duke and will assume his duties in full after being sworn in by Parliament. However, the father will retain the title of master of the country, which he inherited almost a quarter of a century ago from his father, Grand Duke João.
Speaking to public radio RTL, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden admitted that he had been discussing the transition with Grand Duke Henrique for some time. “This move has my full support,” Frieden said after the announcement.
Although he did not mention the exact reasons for this decision, the Prime Minister explained that it was a measure that was “as natural as it is historic.”
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