by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2013

photo: www.angelfire.com

October 7, 2000 – Abdication of Grand Duke Jean; Accession of Grand Duke Henri

On October 7, 2000, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg abdicated after nearly 36 years as the reigning Grand Duke. The ceremony took place at the Grand Ducal Palace, in a scene almost identical to that held in 1964 when Jean’s mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, abdicated in his favor. With his wife by his side, Jean signed the abdication decree, and his eldest son, Henri, became the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg. In attendance were members of the Government, members of the Grand Ducal Family, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium. The ceremony, originally planned for September 28, had been postponed after Jean’s youngest son Guillaume was seriously injured in a car accident in Paris.

Shortly after the abdication ceremony, the royals processed to the Hall of the Chamber of Deputies, next door to the Palace, for Henri’s enthronement ceremony. Following a reading of the Abdication Decree and a speech by the President of the Chamber, Henri stood to swear allegiance to the Constitution of Luxembourg.

Following his speech from the throne (which had been ‘lost’ for many years but found and restored for the ceremony), the family proceeded back to the Palace where the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess appeared on the balcony, joined by the rest of the Grand Ducal Family and royal guests. After a luncheon at the palace, the new Grand Duke, with his wife and children, and his siblings, processed to the Cathedral Notre Dame de Luxembourg for a service of thanksgiving. After returning to the palace, the Grand Ducal Family then went to the Town Hall, greeting the mass of Luxembourg citizens who had come to witness the event. The evening ended with another balcony appearance.

Jean had become Grand Duke upon his mother’s abdication in November 1964 (more about that HERE!) Grand Duchess Charlotte had stepped down after nearly 46 years as head of state, having come to the throne upon the abdication of her elder sister, Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaide in 1919. Following the abdication, Grand Duke Jean moved to Fischbach Castle, while Henri and his family moved to Berg Castle.

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