Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Who is Grand Duke Guillaume? Get to know Luxembourg's Head of State


The royal's father, Grand Duke Henri, abdicated the throne on Oct. 3, 2025


Who is Grand Duke Guillaume© People Picture/Willi Schneider/Shutterstock
UPDATED OCTOBER 3, 2025 11:49 AM EDT

Prince Guillaume is the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The royal succeeded his father, Grand Duke Henri, on Oct. 3, 2025. Henri, who had been the head of state since 2000, announced in his 2024 Christmas speech that he would be abdicating in favor of his son days before the 25th anniversary of his own accession.

Guillaume has said that he sees his role "as Head of State as that of a unifying figure for all who consider Luxembourg their home." "I intend to defend our independence, preserve our traditions and wisely embrace the opportunities that will shape our future," he said. "Guided by the values of integrity, compassion and service, I am committed to strengthening social cohesion, safeguarding our democratic stability and supporting a sustainable, innovative and prosperous economy. Together with the citizens of Luxembourg, we will cross the bridge to a future that honours our past while shaping a vibrant and inclusive tomorrow."

LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG - OCTOBER 8: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg during his inauguration ceremony as  Lieutenant Representative of Luxembourg on October 8, 2024 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage)© Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage

1. He was born on Nov. 11, 1981 in Luxembourg.

2. He is Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa's eldest child.

(Original Caption) 1st row: Louis, Henri, Sebastien, Maria Teresa, Alexandra. Behind: Guillaume and Felix. (Photo by Reuter Raymond/Sygma via Getty Images)© Reuter Raymond/Sygma via Getty Images

3. He has four younger siblings: Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sébastien

4. He became the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg after his father's accession to the throne on Oct. 7, 2000. 

LUXEMBOURG - OCTOBER 20:  Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg and Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg emerge from the Cathedral following the wedding ceremony of Prince Guillaume Of Luxembourg and Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg at the Cathedral of our Lady of Luxembourg on October 20, 2012 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. The 30-year-old hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg is the last hereditary Prince in Europe to get married, marrying his 28-year old Belgian Countess bride in a lavish 2-day ceremony.  (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)© Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

5. He married his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, on October 20, 2012 at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg.

 Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his family© Kary Barthelmey, Grand Duke's Household, Luxembourg / Kary Barthelmey

6. He and Stéphanie have two kids. They welcomed their first child, Prince Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume, on May 10, 2020. Their second son, Prince François Henri Luis Marie Guillaume, was born on March 27, 2023. 

7. He has been a member of the Scouts since he was a child, and in 2019, he became the Chief Scout of Luxembourg.

8. According to the Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg's website, Guillaume "is passionate about playing the guitar."

Belgium's Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde pose with Prince Emmanuel, and his godfather and godmother Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg (R) and Countess Elisabeth d' Udekem d' Acoz (L), after the baptism of Prince Emmanuel, 10 December 2005 at the chapel of the Castle of Ciergnon. Prince Emmanuel, born on 04 October 2005, is the third child of Belgian Crownprince Philippe and Princess Mathilde. (Photo by BENOIT DOPPAGNE / BELGA / AFP) (Photo by BENOIT DOPPAGNE/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images)© BENOIT DOPPAGNE/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images

9. He is a godparent to King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium's son Prince Emmanuel.

10. The royal is said to enjoy tennis, skiing, swimming and water sports.

LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG - OCTOBER 8: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri of Luxemburg, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg during the inauguration ceremony of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume as  Lieutenant Representative of Luxembourg on October 8, 2024 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage)© Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage

11. He is fluent in five languages, Luxembourgish, French, German, English and Spanish, per the Grand Ducal Court.

12. His father appointed him Lieutenant-Représentant in October 2024.

LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG - OCTOBER 3: Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg during the abdication ceremony of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and the accession to the throne of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Guillaume in the Grand Ducal Palace on October 3, 2025 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage)© Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage

13. He took the oath of office before the Chamber of Deputies on Oct. 3, 2025. Per the Grand Ducal Court's website, "The Grand Duke plays an important role in the functioning of the Luxembourg state. In his official capacity, he represents the State both domestically and internationally."

14. His son Prince Charles is now first in the line of succession to the throne.

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.