Guillaume V, Grand Duke of Luxembourg Facts for Kids

Guillaume V (born 11 November 1981) is the current Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He became Grand Duke on 3 October 2025. He is the oldest son of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. Guillaume V became the leader of Luxembourg after his father stepped down.

Guillaume V: The Grand Duke of Luxembourg
Family Tree: Guillaume V's Ancestry
See also

Guillaume V: The Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Early Life and School Days

Guillaume was born on 11 November 1981 in Luxembourg City. He is the oldest child of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. He has four younger siblings: Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Sébastien.

He went to public school in Luxembourg. Later, he attended boarding schools in Switzerland. In 2001, he completed his French baccalaureate, which is a high school diploma. He also trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.

Guillaume continued his studies in the United Kingdom. He studied at University College, Durham and Brunel University. In Switzerland, he spent a year studying philosophy and anthropology. He later earned a bachelor's degree in letters and political science in France. From 2018 to 2019, he attended a special training program in London.

Before becoming Grand Duke, Guillaume gained work experience. He completed internships at a Belgian chemical company, a bank in London, and a steel company in Spain. He became an officer in the Luxembourg Army in 2002. He held the rank of colonel. When he became Grand Duke, he was promoted to General and Commander of the Army.

Becoming Hereditary Grand Duke

Guillaume as Hereditary Grand Duke in 2013

Guillaume was the heir apparent to the crown of Luxembourg. This means he was next in line to become Grand Duke. He held this role from 2000 until 2025.

He took on many important responsibilities. In 2001, he became the honorary chairman of an economic development board. This group helps to improve Luxembourg's economy. He also joined the Council of State in 2005. This council advises the government on new laws.

Guillaume has also worked with international organizations. He attended a conference at the United Nations in New York. He also worked with the European Commission and Luxembourg's team at the European Union.

He supports many different groups as a patron. These include sports federations, youth hostels, and associations for young business owners. He also supports Special Olympics Luxembourg.

Guillaume has a strong commitment to helping others. In 1997, he joined the Scout Movement for a humanitarian camp in Nepal. He helped with planting trees and other projects. He also took part in a charitable mission in Mexico in 1999. He helped young people in need there. For over 10 years, he led a foundation that helps people with disabilities.

After his military training, he became a lieutenant in the Luxembourg Army in 2002. He also received a special honor, becoming a Knight of the Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau.

In 2006, a special €2 coin was made to celebrate his 25th birthday. It showed his image alongside his father's.

In 2018, Guillaume and his wife moved to London for a time. There, he studied international relations and strategy. This training helps leaders understand global issues.

On 23 June 2024, his father, Grand Duke Henri, announced a big change. He said Guillaume would become a "lieutenant-representative" in October. This was the first step in transferring royal powers. On 8 October 2024, Guillaume officially took on this role. Then, on 24 December 2024, Grand Duke Henri announced his abdication. He said Guillaume would become Grand Duke on 3 October 2025.

Family Life: Marriage and Children

On 26 April 2012, it was announced that Guillaume would marry Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy from Belgium. Their civil wedding was on 19 October 2012. The religious wedding happened the next day, 20 October 2012, at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Guillaume and Stéphanie have two sons. They are next in line to become Grand Duke after their father.

Prince Charles of Luxembourg was born on 10 May 2020.
Prince François of Luxembourg was born on 27 March 2023.

His Reign as Grand Duke

Guillaume V with Stéphanie on the day of his accession to the throne

On 8 October 2024, Guillaume was appointed as lieutenant-representative. This meant he took over some of his father's duties. He swore in ambassadors and signed official decrees. This step is a tradition in Luxembourg when a Grand Duke prepares to step down. Both Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duke Henri followed this path.

Guillaume V taking the oath

On 24 December 2024, Grand Duke Henri announced his abdication. He stated that Guillaume would become Grand Duke on 3 October 2025. Guillaume officially became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg on that date.