The Constitutional Monarchy

In a hereditary monarchy, the monarch does not exist alone: he is part of a family, known as a dynasty. This family plays an important role in ensuring the continuity of the monarchy and in performing certain functions of public interest.

(All articles referenced on this page refer to the articles of the Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg that came into force on 01/07/2023.)

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue & Kary Barthelmey

Besides the Grand Duke himself, other members of the family may also serve the State, even if only in a symbolic or occasional capacity. The Constitution (Art. 54) provides a state allowance solely for the Grand Duke, and, where applicable, for:

The Constitution (Art. 54) provides a state allowance solely for the Grand Duke, and, where applicable, for:

the former Head of State,
the Hereditary Grand Duke,
the Regent and
the Lieutenant-Représentant.

The Order of Succession

The position of Head of State is hereditary (Art. 56). It passes to the direct descendants of the first Grand Duke of the Nassau-Weilburg line, Adolphe, according to the principle of primogeniture (the firstborn child, regardless of gender) and by representation (within the line of succession). Only children born in wedlock have the right to succeed.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Christian Aschman

Currently, the succession to the throne is secured by Prince Charles. His brother, Prince François, is second in line of succession. Tradition in Luxembourg holds that the reigning Grand Duke chooses the appropriate moment to abdicate in favour of his heir.

A brief history of the order of succession:

The Hereditary Grand Duke

Once the heir presumptive reaches the age of 18, they receive the title ‘Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg’. The term ‘heir’ refers to a status acquired at birth, essential for one day ascending to the throne. Neither this status nor the title of heir makes the person a constitutional organ of the state. They are considered the future Head of State; their assumption of office is probable, but not guaranteed.

Only upon being appointed as Lieutenant-Représentant does the heir officially hold a state office, since he participates in the role of the Grand Duke.

In practice, starting after completing his studies, the Hereditary Grand Duke plays an active role in supporting the Grand Duke in official duties. In recent decades, it has become customary for the heir to be involved in promoting Luxembourg’s economy abroad and to partake in activities of societal relevance. Upon appointment as Hereditary Grand Duke, he may be appointed by the Grand Duke as a member of the Council of State, allowing him to deepen his understanding of the legislative workings of the State.

The Role of the Spouse

Regardless of gender, the role of the spouse of the Grand Duke remains the same: they participate in the upbringing of the children and in official and ceremonial duties. Additionally, the spouse may become involved in charitable, social and artistic causes.

Although often discreet, this role plays an important part in maintaining the symbolic and institutional continuity of the monarchy.

The former Head of State

The parents of the reigning Grand Duke continue, in practice, to hold their titles.

For example, former Grand Duke Jean retained his title after his abdication. This is a ceremonial and symbolic custom without any institutional role.

The former Head of State may still participate in public life and engage in charitable or civic initiatives, in coordination with the reigning Grand Duke.

Representation of the Grand Duke

There may be times when the Head of State needs to be represented, for various reasons. Two different mechanisms ensure the continuity of the office, even in cases of temporary or permanent impediment of the Grand Duke:

The Lieutenance

As the position of Head of State in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is hereditary, the Grand Duke may choose to be represented by another adult family member (Art. 58), who is in the line of succession (Art. 56). This person is appointed ‘Lieutenant-Représentant of the Grand Duke’ and assumes office after taking the oath before the Chamber of Deputies.

Today, the Lieutenancy is considered the final stage of preparation for the Hereditary Grand Duke before assuming the role of Head of State.

A brief history of Lieutenancies:

There have been six lieutenancies – of various durations – in the history of the Grand Duchy:

Swearing-in ceremony of H.R.H. Crown Prince Henri as Lieutenant-Représentant — Swearing-in ceremony of H.R.H. Crown Prince Henri of Luxembourg as Lieutenant-Représentant of Grand Duke Jean.
© Collection Cour grand-ducale / SIP

The Regency

A Regent assumes the role of Grand Duke when the latter is unable to fulfil his duties (Art. 59). The Grand Duke retains his title but no longer exercises his functions. Another adult family member, who is in the line of succession (Art. 56), then takes over temporarily. The Regent must take the oath before the Chamber of Deputies.

A regency is required:

when the successor is a minor at the time of the Grand Duke’s death or abdication. The regency lasts until the successor reaches adulthood. Or
if the Grand Duke is temporarily unable to fulfil his constitutional duties, for example due to health reasons.

A brief history of Regencies:

There have been two Regents (and four Regencies) in Luxembourg’s history.

Swearing-in of Duke Adolphe of Nassau as Duke-Regent.
© Collection Cour grand-ducale

Conclusion

The role of the Grand Duke is firmly rooted in the Constitution of the Grand Duchy and reflects a balance between tradition and modern democracy. As Head of State, the Grand Duke embodies national unity, state continuity and independence. His duties are defined and always embedded within a system of parliamentary oversight.

Luxembourg’s constitutional monarchy demonstrates how a monarchical head of state can function within a democratic framework, respecting the separation of powers, political neutrality and a stable institutional foundation.