What's Going on with the Royal Family of Luxembourg? All About Transfer of Power from Father to Son

There's a meaningful change on the royal calendar in Luxembourg

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is kickstarting the abdication process for his son, Prince Guillaume, to reign one day.

On Oct. 8, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, 69, and his eldest son and successor, 42, will participate in a Lieutenancy Ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg. Voluntary abdication has become a pattern for the royal family of the world's wealthiest country, and the ceremony will instate Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Representative for his father.

While some European monarchs reign until death, voluntary abdication has become an unofficial custom in Luxembourg. Though Grand Duke Henri hasn't hinted when he might step down entirely, he announced the news in June that his eldest son would take over official governing duties this fall.

"I would like to inform you that I have decided to appoint Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Representative in October," the Grand Duke said on Luxembourg's June 23 national day, per a translation. "It is with all my love and confidence that I wish him the best of luck."

The royal role is comparable to the position of prince regent, and the Grand Ducal Court said that such an appointment is traditional in a change of reign. Grand Duke Henri will remain head of state after the Lieutenancy Ceremony, but the shift will enable him to delegate certain duties to Prince Guillaume, the government of Luxembourg said.

Related: Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg Paves Way for His Abdication with Surprise Announcement

According to a schedule from the court, translated into English, the festivities will begin on Oct. 8 at 3 p.m., local time, at the Grand Ducal Palace. Guillaume, his father Henri and Prime Minister Luc Frieden are expected to sign a grand ducal decree appointing the prince as Lieutenant-Representative of the Grand Duke.

From there, the pageantry moves to the Chamber of Deputies. Prince Guillaume will be sworn in during a ceremony before returning on foot to the Grand Ducal Palace.

The significant transition falls after a meaningful date for the royal family — the 24th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri's accession. Henri governed as "Lieutenant-Représentant du Grand-Duc" for two years before he succeeded his father, Grand Duke Jean, on Oct. 7, 2000.

Years before, Grand Duke Jean inherited the throne when his mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, abdicated in 1964. She stepped up into the royal role when her elder sister, Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide, abdicated in 1919.

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The Oct. 8 ceremony date was confirmed by the court in July, and released with a photo of the father and son standing together.

Prince Guillaume is the eldest child of Grand Duke Henri and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, who are also parents to four other adult children: Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien. 

Guillaume — who is also called the Crown Prince and Hereditary Grand Duke — has a young family of his own, and shares sons Prince Charles, 4, and Prince Francois, 1, with his wife, Princess Stephanie.

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