Grand duke of Luxembourg to abdicate in favour of son

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, left, will abdicate, with Crown Prince Guillaume taking over (Rafiq Maqbool, Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)

A monarchy at the heart of Europe is preparing for a generational change as Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicates the throne on Friday after 25 years as head of state in favour of his eldest son, Guillaume.

Henri has filled the largely ceremonial role of grand duke alongside his Cuban-born wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, as the government steered the country through troubles such as the 2008 financial crisis, the greatest shock to Luxembourg’s economy since the 1970s.