Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg Facts for Kids

Henri (born 16 April 1955) is the current Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He has been the head of state since 2000. He is the oldest son of Grand Duke Jean and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium. He is also a first cousin to King Philippe of Belgium.

In 2024, Grand Duke Henri gave some of his powers to his oldest son, Guillaume. Henri plans to step down as Grand Duke on 3 October 2025. This means Guillaume will become the new Grand Duke.

Henri's Early Life and Schooling
Henri's Time as Grand Duke
- Becoming Grand Duke
- What Does the Grand Duke Do?
Images for kids
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Henri's Early Life and Schooling

Henri was born on 16 April 1955, at Betzdorf Castle in Luxembourg. He was the second child and first son of Jean, who was then the Hereditary Grand Duke, and his wife, Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium.

His father, Jean, was the oldest son of Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. His mother, Joséphine-Charlotte, was the only daughter of King Leopold III of Belgium. Henri has four siblings: Marie Astrid, Jean, Margaretha, and Guillaume.

When Henri was nine, in 1964, his grandmother stepped down as Grand Duchess. His father then became the new Grand Duke. On Henri's 18th birthday in 1973, he officially became the heir apparent. This means he was next in line to the throne. He was given the title of Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Henri went to school in Luxembourg and France. He finished high school in 1974. After that, he trained to be a military officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. He then studied political science at the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International Studies. He graduated in 1980.

From 1980 to 1998, Henri was a member of the Council of State. This group advises the government in Luxembourg.

Henri's Time as Grand Duke

The Grand Duke with his son Félix in New York City during a 2013 United Nations meeting.

Becoming Grand Duke

On 4 March 1998, Henri's father, Grand Duke Jean, made him a lieutenant representative. This meant Henri took over most of his father's duties. On 7 October 2000, his father stepped down. Henri then became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He took an oath to uphold the country's laws in front of the Chamber of Deputies. He became Henri I, even though there were seven other rulers named Henri before 1815.

What Does the Grand Duke Do?

Grand Duke Henri's royal monogram.

As the head of a constitutional monarchy, Grand Duke Henri's main job is to represent Luxembourg. He has some important powers, like choosing the prime minister and the government. He can also close the Chamber of Deputies and approve new laws. However, he usually follows the advice of the government.

Grand Duke Henri is also the commander-in-chief of the Luxembourg Army. He holds the rank of general in the army. He is also an honorary major in the British Army's Parachute Regiment.

One of his most important roles is representing Luxembourg in other countries. In May 2001, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa made their first official visit to Spain. They were invited by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain.

Grand Duke Henri is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He is also involved with The Mentor Foundation, which helps young people. He is a director of the Charles Darwin Trust, which protects the Galápagos Islands.

The Grand Duke lives with his family at Berg Castle in Luxembourg. He also has a holiday home in a village in Southern France.