ComScore

This Prominent Royal Set to Step Down from the Throne (Just Like Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II)

Change is coming to another European monarchy

Queen Margrethe Of Denmark CAT2
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images

First, it was announced that Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II would step down as monarch on January 14, 2024, and relinquish the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. And now, it seems that another prominent royal may be following in her footsteps.

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg recently told the French publication, La Libre, in an exclusive interview that he plans to retire from the throne “at some point.” Translated by The Daily Beast, the 69-year-old royal shared with the outlet, “All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective.” He also added, "There are plans, it will happen.” 

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg Royal Event CAT
LAURENT CAVENATI/Belga/AFP via Getty Images

When the publication asked the duke if he had chosen a date for his abdication, Henri answered, “Yes, but I won’t tell you that!” He also shared, “I am a happy man. But, I could not choose my destiny.” When the royal decides to step down, his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, will take his place as the chosen successor. 

In case you didn’t know, Henri became the Head of State in October 2000 when his father, Grand Duke Jean, stepped down from the throne following a 35-year reign. Before that, Jean took over in 1964 when his mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, relinquished her royal role after initially stepping up when her oldest sister, Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide, abdicated in 1919.  Hmm, there is definitely a pattern here…

Grand Duke of Luxembourg with Children CAT
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Grand Duke Henri and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, are the proud parents of five children: Prince Guillaume, 40, Prince Félix, 38, Prince Louis, 36, Princess Alexandra, 31 and Prince Sébastien, 30.

According to the royal family’s official website, Guillaume and his wife, Princess Stephanie’s two young sons—Prince Charles, 3, and Prince François, 1—will be next in line for the throne.

The European monarchy is about to look a whole lot different.


Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.


karelle headshot

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

  • Covers all things news and entertainment
  • Has over 5+ years of reporting on celebrity news and pop culture
  • Studied Journalism at Brooklyn College

news
/ Clara Stein
Reese Witherspoon Posts 9-Word Anxiety Hack on IG and It's Honestly Genius
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Princess Eugenie’s Unique Engagement Ring Was on Full Display at Recent Outing—Here’s Why It Reminds Us of Princess Diana’s
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Kensington Palace Posts Pensive Photo of Prince William in Deep Thought
news
/ Danielle Long
This New Medical Drama Just Got Renewed for Season 2—Here's Why It’s a Must-Watch for Mystery Lovers
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Royal News Roundup: Prince William’s Mysterious Portrait, New Royal Baby Photos & More
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Wait, Did Princess Beatrice Just Share More Baby Pics of Athena? We Spotted 2 Hidden Snaps
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Duchess Sophie Stuns in Lavender Suit for a Royal Cause That Has Ties to Meghan and Harry
news
/ Danielle Long
Serena Williams Just Dropped Her ‘Ins & Outs’ List for 2025—And One ‘Out’ Has Fans Spiraling
news
/ Danielle Long
This Hollywood Icon Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5—and Fans Are Freaking Out
news
/ Danielle Long
New Royal Birthday Portrait! Sweden’s Little Prince Is His Dad’s Mini-Me
news
/ Danielle Long
Martha Stewart’s Posts Controversial Sandwich Recipe on IG and Leaves Fans Baffled
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Prince William Has an Exciting New Role (& Prince George Has Some Hilarious Advice)
news
/ Danielle Long
Sofia Vergara Posts Gorgeous AGT Snap (& I'm Getting Serious '90s Vibes)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
King Charles’s Body Language Speaks Volumes in New Photo With Queen Camilla
news
/ Danielle Long
Jenna Ortega’s Glass Dress Is as Dazzling—And Dangerous—As It Looks
news
/ Clara Stein
I Think I Just Figured Out Reese's Book Club's April Pick (& You're Going to Want a Copy)
See More