section_path: Announcement
section_name: Announcement
paragraph_text: Announcement
  
  During his official birthday speech on 23 June 2024, Henri signified that he planned to abdicate in the future and announced that he would begin transferring his constitutional powers, roles and positions to his eldest son and the heir apparent, Guillaume. Henri said during his address, "I would like to inform you that I have decided to appoint Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Representative in October. It is with all my love and confidence that I wish him the best of luck." The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, named the announcement "the beginning of a next chapter for our monarchy" and explained that he had been in discussions with Henri regarding the matter "for some time". He agreed with Henri's decision to announce it on 23 June, the national holiday, as "the grand duke is the symbol of" Luxembourg. It was later announced in July 2024 that Guillaume's appointment as Lieutenant-Representative would occur on 8 October 2024. On 8 October, Guillaume was sworn in as Lieutenant-Representative at the Grand Ducal Palace, followed by in the Chamber of Deputies. Henri commented, "I really want to give Prince Guillaume a lot more responsibility, because I think I really need to slow down."
  
  The year 2024 is drawing to a close, and Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the past year. This time, I do so with great emotion, as it is the last time that I will deliver the Christmas speech as Head of State.
  
  On 24 December 2024, during his annual Christmas address, Henri officially announced that he would abdicate the throne on 3 October 2025 in Guillaume's favour. Henri's opening line mentioned his abdication and he commented, "Prince Guillaume has been Lieutenant-Représentant since 8 October and is preparing intensively for his accession to the throne". Henri described his feelings of "deep gratitude and humility" when reflecting on the past 25 years of his reign and noted that he and his wife, Maria Teresa, were "pleased to have been able to be part of that journey". Henri justified his abdication by citing that "most" of his generation had reached the time of retirement, saying that "the time has now come" and calling it a "natural process". Additionally, he also reassured his trust in Guillaume and his wife, Stéphanie, saying, "I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country."