Another European monarch will abdicate this year as Grand Duke Henry of Luxembourg passes the baton to his legitimate son, Prince Guillaume, in October

Almost six months after Queen Margrethe of Denmark abdicated in favor of her son, Prince Frederik, now King Frederik, another European monarch has announced his abdication.1]

According to the Daily Mail, Luxembourg is "in "shock as Grand Duke Henri announces his abdication plans and son Prince Guillaume . is in shock after announcing that his son Prince Guillaume will begin his succession to the throne later this year."

The Daily Mail reported that the Luxembourg government is "in a state of shock after the Grand Duke Henri announced his plans to abdicate and that his son Prince Guillaume will begin his succession later this year.

Henri made the announcement on Luxembourg's National Day. This National Day is an annual event "where the Grand Duke's family, government officials, and members of parliament come together to celebrate his official birthday," similar to the "Trooping the Colour" in the UK, the media reported. Henri announced his intention to retire earlier this year and will hand over the throne to 42-year-old Guillaume in October, after 24 years on the throne.

"I am therefore pleased to announce that I have decided, together with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume, and Princess Stephanie, to hand over the Chamberlainship to Prince Guillaume this October," Henri said at the celebration. Henri said at the celebration, "With all my love and trust, I wish him the best of luck."

After the announcement, the Daily Mail wrote, "The Grand Duke looked so moved that he kissed his son as the room erupted in applause."

Henri will retain his official title but will be represented by his son. According to the palace's official website, "The nomination of a deputy is traditionally made in the process of changing reigns."

According to People, "Grand Duke Henri will remain head of state, but this announcement is the first step toward a formal abdication. Prince Guillaume will take the oath of office before assuming the role, which is the same as becoming Prince Regent."

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden told the media, "This is the beginning of the next chapter for our monarchy."

Although Henri's decision came as a shock to the small European country (population of only 672,000), Frieden said that discussions had been held behind closed doors for some time. Frieden said that the discussions had been going on behind closed doors for some time: "Because the Grand Duke is a symbol of our country.

Henri ascended the throne in 2000 after his father, Archduke Jean, abdicated after a 36-year reign. (In Luxembourg, Jean also succeeded to the throne by abdication, so voluntary abdication is the norm.) Henri turned 69 in April, and in an interview with the French publication La Libre, he admitted that he "intends to retire someday" and that his abdication is "planned after consulting with my family." I think it is very important to give young people a vision." As for his eventual retirement, he added, "I have a plan. It will happen eventually."

He said.

And now we seem to know when that time is.