As one reign draws to a close, another begins...
"I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity as well as public and individual freedoms." It was with these words that the reign of Grand Duke Henri began on 7 October 2000. In accordance with the Constitution, he took the oath of office before the members of the Chamber of Deputies. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country's history.
It was also a pivotal moment in the life of the young Prince Henri - Crown Prince or Grand Duke - depending on whether it was before or after 7 October. Before 7 October, he was the heir to the throne and actively involved in trade missions as well as training for many years for his future role. After 7 October, he became Head of State and turned the page on the past. He was determined to govern in a modern and open way, whilst remaining faithful to traditions.
Life and reign of Grand Duke Henri in images
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The grand ducal couple taking a walk in Cabasson in 2015
© Cour grand-ducale / David Nivière
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The grand ducal family leaving the hospital in Luxembourg shortly after the birth of Prince Sebastian
© SIP
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Childhood picture
© Tony Krier, Luxembourg
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State visit to Luxembourg by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, from 23 to 25 May 2018
© Cour grand-ducale / Cyril Moreau, Bestimage
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The grand ducal couple in Moscow
© SIP
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Prince Henri at the boy scouts
© H. Kohn
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Official audience of the Grand Ducal Family with the Pope, 21 March 2016
© Cour grand-ducale / Charles Caratini
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Grand Duke Henri meets the President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the Queen of Denmark, Marguertie II, during the celebrations for the 70th Allied anniversary in Normandy.
© SIP
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Portrait picture of young Prince Henri
© Reginald Davis, London
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The grand ducal family gets together in Cabasson in summer
© Cour grand-ducale
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Ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, Luxembourg, 8 May 2015
© SIP / Charles Caratini
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Prince Sebastian graduating from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2015
© Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) / Seth Harbaugh
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Grand Duke Henri's accession to the throne on October 7, 2000
© SIP
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Childhood picture
© Tony Krier, Luxembourg
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Portrait picture of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
© SIP / Tom Wagner
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Prince Henri at the boy scouts camp (first from right)
© H. Kohn
Before 7 October 2000
Long before that solemn day in October 2000, Prince Henri was born on 16 April 1955 at the Château de Betzdorf. As the eldest of five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte, he was destined for a unique role:to one day become the sovereign of Luxembourg.
However, there was still a long journey to undertake before his ascension to the throne. After completing his secondary education in Luxembourg and France, he trained as a soldier at the prestigious Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England. He graduated with the rank of officer in 1975.
Prince Henri went on to study political science at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, where he obtained a degree in political science in 1980. His personal life also took on a new direction when he met Maria Teresa Mestre a Cuban national, whom he married in 1981. The couple had five children.
In 1984, Henri was appointed heir apparent to the Grand Duchy. Up until his accession to the throne, one of his roles was to strengthen Luxembourg's position on the world economic stage. Whether in Asia, America or the Middle East, Prince Henri forged links with foreign partners in order to strengthen the Grand Duchy's image on the global arena. These trips paved the way for countless trade opportunities for Luxembourg companies and served to attract new investors to Luxembourg.
After 7 October 2000
In 2000, after 35 years of reign, Grand Duke Jean decided to abdicate at the age of 79. Prince Henri officially succeeded him to the throne on 7 October, the day of the swearing-in ceremony in the Chamber of Deputies.
As such, a new life began for Henri, a life full of responsibilities and duties, and at the same time a new chapter began in the history of the Grand Duchy.
From the very first days of their reign, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess made a series of courtesy visits to France and Germany, highlighting the importance of Luxembourg's special ties with its neighbouring countries. Moreover, contact with the local population was also a priority in the daily lives of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. Maintaining close ties with the people remains of vital importance to the Grand Ducal couple. In practical terms, their commitment is displayed by their active involvement in everyday life, by attending concerts, exhibitions, academic conferences, sporting events as well as visits to hospitals and nursing homes.
During his speeches, whether on Christmas Eve or on National Day, the Head of State constantly reminds us of the values that distinguish the Luxembourg character: tolerance, respect, dignity and solidarity.
When he no longer has to attend to his official duties, the Grand Duke will turn his attention to his family, which has grown over the years. As well as the father of five children, he is now grandfather to eight grandchildren.
Today, 25 years after taking his oath before the Chamber of Deputies, Grand Duke Henri is turning the page and preparing to pass on the crown to his son, Prince Guillaume. A new chapter in the Grand Duchy’s history will be written when it is his turn to pronounce the following words: "I swear to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity as well as public and individual freedoms".
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