Henri (born 16 April 1955) is a member of the grand ducal family of Luxembourg. He was the Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 2000 until his abdication on 3 October 2025. He is now known as Grand Duke Henri.

Henri was born when his grandmother, Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, was the ruler. He is the eldest son of Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium. When his father became Grand Duke in 1964, Henri became the next in line to the throne. He was officially named Hereditary Grand Duke on his 18th birthday in 1973. Henri studied in Luxembourg, France, and England. He also studied political science in Geneva, graduating in 1980.

In 1998, his father, Grand Duke Jean, gave Henri many of his royal duties. This is a tradition in Luxembourg. In October 2000, Henri became the Grand Duke after his father stepped down. In October 2024, Henri also passed many of his duties to his son, Guillaume. Henri then abdicated on 3 October 2025, and Guillaume became the new Grand Duke.

Henri: A Life of Service
Ancestry
See also

Henri: A Life of Service

Early Life and Education

Henri in 1989

Prince Henri was born on 16 April 1955, at Betzdorf Castle in Luxembourg. He was the second child and first son of Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium. His grandparents were Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and Prince Félix of Bourbon-Parma. His mother's parents were King Leopold III of Belgium and Princess Astrid of Sweden.

Henri has four brothers and sisters: Marie Astrid, Jean, Margaretha, and Guillaume.

When Henri was nine, in 1964, his grandmother stepped down. His father then became the Grand Duke. On his 18th birthday in 1973, Henri was officially named the Hereditary Grand Duke. This meant he was the next in line to become Grand Duke.

Henri went to school in Luxembourg and France. He earned his Baccalauréat degree in 1974. He then trained to be a military officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. Later, he studied political science at the University of Geneva and another institute, finishing his studies in 1980.

Henri became the heir to the throne when his grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, stepped down in 1964. From 1980 to 1998, he was part of the Council of State. This group advises the government.

Becoming Grand Duke

On 4 March 1998, Prince Henri took on many of his father's duties as a lieutenant representative. This prepared him for his future role. On 7 October 2000, his father, Grand Duke Jean, stepped down. Henri then officially became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He took an oath in front of the parliament that same day.

Important Duties and Roles

Grand Duke Henri addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2005

Grand Duke Henri's royal monogram

As the Grand Duke, Henri's main job was to represent Luxembourg. He had the power to choose the prime minister and the government. He could also approve laws and welcome ambassadors from other countries. However, he usually followed the advice of the government.

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

A key part of his role was to represent Luxembourg to other countries. In 2001, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa visited Spain. They were invited by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain.

Grand Duke Henri was also involved in many international groups. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He also supported The Mentor Foundation and the Charles Darwin Trust for the Galápagos Islands.

During his time as Grand Duke, Henri lived with his family at Berg Castle. They also had a holiday home in Southern France.

In February 2011, Grand Duke Henri had a minor health procedure. He recovered quickly and was discharged from the hospital the next day.

Abdication

Henri sitting with Guillaume at his abdication ceremony.

On 23 June 2024, his official birthday, Henri announced his plans. He would appoint his son Guillaume as lieutenant representative in October. This meant Guillaume would take on many royal duties. On 8 October 2024, Guillaume was sworn into this role. Then, on 24 December 2024, Grand Duke Henri announced his decision. He would step down on 3 October 2025, making Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume the new Grand Duke.

Family Life

The Grand Duke with his wife and heir apparent

While studying in Geneva, Henri met María Teresa Mestre y Batista. She was also a student of political science. They married in Luxembourg on 14 February 1981. The couple has five children and eight grandchildren:

Guillaume V (born 11 November 1981). He became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg on 3 October 2025. He married Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy on 20 October 2012. They have two sons:
- Prince Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume of Luxembourg (born 10 May 2020).
- Prince François Henri Louis Marie Guillaume of Luxembourg (born 27 March 2023).
Prince Félix Léopold Marie Guillaume of Luxembourg (born 3 June 1984). He married Claire Margareta Lademacher on 21 September 2013. They have two sons and one daughter:
- Princess Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa of Nassau (born 15 June 2014).
- Prince Liam Henri Hartmut of Nassau (born 28 November 2016).
- Prince Balthazar Félix Karl of Nassau (born 7 January 2024).
Prince Louis Xavier Marie Guillaume of Luxembourg (born 3 August 1986). He married Tessy Antony on 29 September 2006 and they divorced on 4 April 2019. They have two sons:
- Prince Gabriel Michael Louis Ronny of Nassau (born 12 March 2006).
- Prince Noah Etienne Guillaume Gabriel Matthias Xavier of Nassau (born 21 September 2007).
Princess Alexandra Joséphine Teresa Charlotte Marie Wilhelmine of Luxembourg (born 16 February 1991). She married Nicolas Jacques Armel Bagory on 29 April 2023. They have a daughter:
- Victoire Bagory (born 14 May 2024).
Prince Sébastien Henri Marie Guillaume of Luxembourg (born 16 April 1992).

Titles and Special Recognitions

Titles and Styles

16 April 1955 – 12 November 1964: His Royal Highness Prince Henri of Luxembourg
12 November 1964 – 7 October 2000: His Royal Highness The Hereditary Grand Duke
7 October 2000 – 3 October 2025: His Royal Highness The Grand Duke
3 October 2025 - Present: His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri

Honours and Awards

Grand Duke Henri has received many honours and awards from Luxembourg and other countries. These awards recognize his service and his role as head of state. Some of these include:

Knight of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau (Luxembourg)
Grand Cross of the Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolph of Nassau (Luxembourg)
Knight of the Collar of the Order of Charles III (Spain)
Knight with Collar of the Order of the Seraphim (Sweden)
Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (Belgium)
Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Spain)
Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (United Kingdom)