Grand Duke Henri said he expected there would be a relatively short transition phase before the accession.
The Grand Duke and his son declined media interviews ahead of Tuesday’s event and recorded a conversation which they sent to the press, instead.
While they decided to keep the date of the abdication a secret, the Grand Duke and Crown Prince know when the monarch will formally step down.
“It won’t take forever,” Grand Duke Henri said.
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxemburg during the inauguration ceremony on October 8. (Getty)
Next year will mark Henri’s 25th anniversary on the throne and his 70th birthday.
READ MORE: Queen Mary dazzles in historic tiara and jewels at palace gala
Many in Luxembourg see the two milestones as an ideal time for the Grand Duke to abdicate.
“All in good time,” he said about the speculation.
Crown Prince Guillaume is father of two young sons: Prince Charles, four, and Prince François, who will be turning two in March.
Pope Francis recently met with the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, and the Crown Prince family on September 26. (AP)
“I take them to school in the morning and I put them to bed in the evening,” he said.
He and wife Crown Princess Stephanie will try to plan additional royal duties and travel during school holidays and accept more daytime than evening engagements.
“I think it really can be done,” he said on balancing family and state business.
But the Crown Princess’ role will not change for the moment.
“She will continue with her priorities, of course art and culture,” Guillaume said.
Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess at the coronation of King Charles on May 6, 2023. (AP)
“But she is also becoming increasingly involved in social issues, and I think she will develop other priorities and interests.”
Luxembourg’s constitution does not provide for a formal role of the spouse of the reigning monarch.
The Crown Prince family are currently funding the building of a new house on the grounds of the Grand Ducal castle in Colmar-Berg.
The new residence will allow the incoming monarch to separate private family life and official business, Guillaume said.
Following the abdication, Guillaume’s father and mother will retire to the royal residence in Fischbach, as per tradition.
Why Princess Charlene’s daughter isn’t heir to Monaco throne
Luxembourg is classified as a grand duchy, headed by a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.
The modern state of Luxembourg was formed in 1815 and ruled by the King of the Netherlands.
Adolf of Nassau served as regent of Luxembourg for King William III of the Netherlands and when the male line of Orange-Nassau ended with William III’s death in 1890, Adolf became Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
His descendants rule to this day.
Source link : https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/luxembourg-grand-duke-henri-appoints-son-crown-prince-guillaume-as-lieutenant-representative-ahead-of-formal-abdication/6534e761-3ca7-4981-8996-9d4ea84ca1e8
Author :
Publish date : 2024-10-09 22:21:40
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
