Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, 69, reveals that he 'intends to retire at some point'

Release time：2024-05-21 10:56:04 Source：Earthly Echo news portal

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has revealed that he already has an abdication date in mind - placing him in the fray of older European monarchs rumoured to be considering stepping down from duty to let their young heirs take the reigns.

Speaking to La Libre, as reported by Point de Vue, the royal, 69, quipped that he knows the exact date he plans to pass the baton to his son Guillaume, 42 - but 'won't tell' the press yet.

'All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective,' he added.

'Transmission and trust are the two essential elements in my relationship with my son Guillaume.' 

The outlet, reporting on a conversation the Grand Duke had with programme Place Royale, also revealed that he said it's 'obvious' that he 'intends to retire at some point'.

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg  (pictured with his wife Maria Teresa in 2023) has revealed that he already has an abdication date in mind - placing him in the fray of older European monarchs rumoured to be considering stepping down from duty to let their young heirs take the reigns.

'There are plans,' Henri - who has reigned since October 2000 - explained. 'There will come a day when it will have to be done.'

His comments follow a series of abdication rumours amid European royals, after Queen Margrethe of Denmark made the shock decision to give up the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January.

At the time, royal biographer Phil Dampier told MailOnline that he believes King Charles will be influenced by events in Denmark since New Year's Eve - especially if it would protect the future of the British Royal Family.

He added that the Prince and Princess of Wales are very friendly with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, and will have been in contact with them.

'Our late Queen would never abdicate because of what happened in 1936 when her uncle abdicated and her father came to the throne. But times change,' he explained.

'William and Kate get on very well with Frederik and Mary and will be among the first to congratulate them. They will be fascinated to see how they get on as King and Queen and it will make them think about their future as well'.

However, King Harald of Norway has confirmed he has no plans to abdicate after speculation he could follow in the footsteps of his former Danish counterpart.

The monarch, 86, (who is the second cousin of King Charles III) insisted that the promise he made to the Norwegian Parliament when he acceded the throne in 1991 'lasts for life'.

King Harald told Faktisk.no: 'I stand by what I have said all along. I have taken an oath to the Storting, and it lasts for life.'

Speaking to La Libre , as reported by Point de Vue , the royal, 69, quipped that he knows the exact date he plans to pass the baton to his son Guillaume, 42 (pictured with his wife in 2023) - but 'won't tell' the press yet.

The Grand Duke and his wife Maria Teresa, 68, have five children including Guillaume - Prince Félix, 39, Prince Louis, 37, Princess Alexandra, 33 and Prince Sébastien, 31.

Guillaume and his wife Stéphanie, 40, have two sons: Charles, three, and François Henri Louis Marie Guillaume, who turned one last month.

It comes as Prince Felix and Princess Claire of Luxembourg have just earlier this year welcomed their third child, Prince Balthasar Felix Karl.

The baby was born on 7 January at the Grand Duchess Charlotte Maternity Hospital in the centre of Luxembourg and tipped the scales at eight pounds. 

Claire, 38, and the baby, who is the seventh in line of succession to the throne, are said to be in 'perfect health'.

The outlet, reporting on a conversation the Grand Duke had with programme Place Royale, also revealed that he said it's 'obvious' that he 'intends to retire at some point'

His comments follow a series of abdication rumours amid European royals, after Queen Margrethe of Denmark made the shock decision to give up the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January. Pictured: The late Queen Elizabeth II with The Reigning Sovereigns Of Europe in 2002

Proud grandmother Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, 67, took to Instagram to share a selection of family photos with Balthasar.

She wrote: 'What an immense joy the arrival of Balthazar, our seventh grandchild, born on January 7 in Luxembourg.'

The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg shared the first complete family photograph with Prince Felix, Princess Claire, and their three children – Princess Amalia, nine, Prince Liam, seven, and Prince Balthasar.

In the first photograph, Claire held baby Balthasar in her arms next to Felix, while Amalia and Liam looked equally adorable on the hospital bed.

In another shot, seven-year-old Liam sweetly offered his younger brother a peck on the forehead while his sister Amalia kissed his head.

The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg also posed for cameras with baby Balthasar.

In her New Year speech, Margrethe abdicated the throne and handed the reins to her son Frederik 

However, King Harald of Norway has confirmed he has no plans to abdicate after speculation he could follow in the footsteps of his former Danish counterpart 

Maria looked as glamorous as ever in a pink silk blouse as she held the newborn in her arms.

Meanwhile, Henri looked dapper in a pinstripe suit for the occasion. Already a doting grandfather, the royal proudly glanced at his seventh grandchild while he rested in his hands.

It comes after the news that Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg is expecting her first child with husband Nicolas Bagory after the pair got married earlier last year.

The princess, 31, wed French businessman Nicolas, 33, in a civil ceremony at Luxembourg Town Hall in April.

The royal baby will be eighth in line to the Luxembourg throne, regardless of gender, but will have no title due to this usually being inherited from the father.

In 2011, the Luxembourg Succession Rules were revised to allow women in the line of succession - which added Princess Alexandra along with her future children.

For her civil wedding to Nicolas, Alexandra opted for a sleek cream bridal suit rather than a dress, while the groom wore a crisp navy blue suit with a pale blue tie.

After the ceremony, the beaming couple stood on the steps outside the Town Hall and waved to adoring fans who had gathered to see them.

A week later, Alexandra and Nicolas continued their wedding celebrations as they tied the knot in a lavish religious ceremony in Bormes-les-Mimosas, southeastern France.

Alexandra looked elegant for the occasion in a flowing, off-white gown. Her dress was slightly off the shoulder, with pleated details.

The princess opted for a long veil decorated with beads and pearlescent embellishments. She also wore an opulent tiara, and kept her make-up natural for the occasion.

Alexandra was accompanied by her father, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, as she entered the Saint Trophyme Church in Bormes-les-Mimosas for the religious event.

Her mother Maria Teresa, the Grand Duchess, was spotted entering the church a few moments beforehand in a bold navy and green fitted dress.

Alexandra and Nicolas announced their engagement in November, 2022.

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