The youngsters get a chance. Another European ruler has firmly planned his abdication, but is still keeping the date to himself.
Colmar-Berg – Back in 2013, Beatrix of the Netherlands (86) handed over the scepter to her son, the current King Willem-Alexander (56). Albert II of Belgium (89) decided to take this step in the same year in favor of his son, King Philippe (64). Most recently, Queen Margrethe II (84) made headlines at the turn of the year with her abdication and made her son Frederik (55) the new King of Denmark.
“I know when I will abdicate”: Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg’s decision has been made
While Sweden's King Carl Gustaf (77) and King Harald of Norway (87) are making no move to change the throne during their lifetime, another head of state has already decided to abdicate. Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg (69) surprisingly stated in an interview with the Belgian newspaper
La Libre
that he had already set the date.
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“I know when I will abdicate, but I won't tell you. Everything will be discussed and planned together with the family,” replied Henri von Luxemburg when asked about a possible abdication in the interview. The Grand Duke, who also bears the titles Duke of Nassau and Prince of Bourbon-Parma, also provided the reason for his decision. “I think it is very important to give the next generation a perspective. The delegation of responsibilities and trust are the two most important elements in the relationship with my son Guillaume.”
“Do excellent work”: Grand Duke Henri raves about his successor Guillaume and his wife Stéphanie
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume (42) is the eldest of the five children of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and his wife Maria Teresa (68). Guillaume has been married to Stéphanie von Luxemburg (40) since 2012; they are parents to Prince Charles (3) and Prince François (1). “Guillaume and his wife Stéphanie are both great representatives for our country, they do excellent work,” said Grand Duke Henri about his successor and his wife.
However , he himself also admitted in an interview with
La Libre
that his assumption of office in October 2000 after the abdication of Jean of Luxembourg (98, † 2021) had inspired him with respect. “It was not easy, if I may say so, to follow in the footsteps of my father and my grandmother, two very strong personalities who were loved in the country,” recalled Grand Duke Henri. “So I tried to do it as well as I could, supported and encouraged by a wife who has done and continues to do an absolutely remarkable job.”
One can only speculate as to whether Henri of Luxembourg will use his 70th birthday next year to resign. At the moment, his successor Guillaume still has his hands full with his own offspring - Luxembourg's baby prince François just celebrated his 1st birthday in a partner look with brother Charles.
Sources used:
Instagram, lessentiel.lu, lalibre.be