European royal's real reason for abdicating the throne is confirmed just months away from stepping down
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa has revealed the reason behind her husband Grand Duke Henri's shock decision to abdicate the Luxembourg throne.
The monarch, 70, made the announcement in December during what will now be considered his last ever annual Christmas broadcast, bringing his 24-year reign to an end.
His son, Prince Guillaume, 43, will officially take the throne from October - and has already assumed many of his father's duties in recent months.
He will be the second European monarch to step down in recent years. In January 2024, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decoded to give up the throne after 52 years, with her son Frederik taking over as King.
In an exclusive interview given to HELLO! Magazine at her impressive home in Berg Castle, the Grand Duchess has revealed the real reasons behind the change in plan.
She said that, unlike other monarchies, abdication is a tradition in the Luxembourg royal family.
"It's a family tradition that goes back to Henri's grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte,' the Duchess explained.
'Then his father Jean did the same. What is special and doesn't exist in other monarchies is the transition period we have, which makes things smoother.'
In 2000, Grand Duke Henri took to the throne when his father, Grand Duke Jean abdicated.
Duchess Maria Teresa added: 'So the abdication isn't something radical. After reigning for 25 years, at our age and with such a well-prepared heir, we're able to pass on the baton and enjoy some rest.'
She said that there will be a one-year transition period as the reins are handed over, with the Grand Duke remaining as head of state but delegating some of his powers.
In October, the royal couple will retire to the Fischbach Estate to make way for their heirs, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie.
The Duchess herself, who has been married to the Duke for 44 years, grew up in Cuba but was forced to flee due to the Castro revolution in 1959. The couple share five children: Guillaume, Felix, Louis, Alexandra and Sebastien.
Unlike other monarchies, Luxembourg is helmed by a Grand Duke, rather than a king or queen.
The current house is Nassau-Weilburg, dating back to a family pact in 1783.
During the broadcast in December, the outgoing Grand Duke said he was 'proud' to have served his country for a quarter of a century.
He said: 'It has been a period during which Luxembourg has undergone great changes, and I am proud to have been able to, together with the Grand Duchess, walk this path with you.'
While explaining that 'the Grand Duke is above political parties and does not interfere in political debates,' he said, 'nothing prevents me from speaking out when the fundamental interests of the country and its citizens are at stake.'
He continued: 'This is what I have strived to do over the past 25 years, paying particular attention from the outset to the diversity of our population, the need for coexistence, and sustainability in all areas of our society, so that we can leave our children a healthier country.'
Henri had hinted at stepping down in June this year when he announced his son would become Lieutenant-Representant.
After the announcement, the Grand Duke appeared very moved and kissed his son whilst the room applauded.
According to the official Palace website, 'designation of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs in the process of change of reign'.
'This is the beginning of a next chapter for our monarchy,' Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden told local media at the time.
While the move over the summer on the country's National Day came as a shock to the public, Frieden said it had been mulled behind closed doors for a while.
'We have been talking about it for some time, and I think that on the national holiday it was the right moment, because the Grand Duke is the symbol of our nation,' he said.
Grand Duke Henri is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte and took to the throne in 2000, after his father abdicated following a 36-year reign.
Following his birthday last year, he admitted that he 'intends to retire at some point' in an interview with French publication La Libre.
'All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective.'
'There are plans, it will happen,' the Grand Duke continued.
Last year, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to give up the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January.
In a statement revealing the news, the former Danish monarch said: 'I have decided that now is the right time.
'The 14th January 2024 - 52 years after I followed my beloved father - I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik.'
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