(L-R): Hereditary Grand Duke, Prince Guillaume; Grand Duke Henri;
Credit: © Maison du Grand-Duc
During his national day address on Sunday 23 June 2024 at the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, Grand Duke Henri announced that "with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie, I want to inform you that I have decided to appoint Prince Guillaume (as) Lieutenant Representative in October".
Taking many people by surprise - and it was not in the official version of his speech distributed beforehand - this is not an abdication, rather a sharing of official duties and responsibilities, both reducing his own workload and demonstrating confidence in the young generation; it was announced by the Grand Duke at the end of his speech.
He concluded "It is with all my love and all my trust that I wish him good luck". Visibly moved, he then embraced his son Prince Guillaume, the Hereditary Grand Duke, for a long time to a long round of applause and a standing ovation.
The designation of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs during the process of change of reign. The procedure is governed by the provisions of the Constitution.
The Grand Duke will remain in his position and will retain his title, and can delegate tasks and responsibilities to his eldest son.
