Basic page components
The Grand Duke is the Head of State, as defined by Article 44 of the Constitution. Both within and outside Luxembourg's borders, the Grand Duke is the representative of the country's identity. He symbolises its independence, the unity of the territory and the permanence of the State.
Section title
The representative aspect of the role of the Grand Duke is based on the principle of the hereditary devolution of the Crown, which is enshrined in the Constitution. This places the Head of State above and beyond political parties and thus guarantees his impartiality.
He does not have any powers other than those the Constitution and the specific laws formally allocate to him and exercises executive power jointly with the Government.
© Maison du Grand-Duc
Heading 3
The representative aspect of the role of the Grand Duke is based on the principle of the hereditary devolution of the Crown, which is enshrined in the Constitution. This places the Head of State above and beyond political parties and thus guarantees his impartiality.
He does not have any powers other than those the Constitution and the specific laws formally allocate to him and exercises executive power jointly with the Government.
The inviolability of the Grand Duke means that he cannot be accused or prosecuted by anyone, that he is not liable to any jurisdiction and that he cannot be held accountable for his actions.
This inviolability implies the Grand Duke's complete unaccountability. His unaccountability is general and absolute, both from a penal and political point of view. The Grand Duke's political unaccountability has the ministerial responsibility as its counterpart. Indeed, any measure adopted by the Grand Duke in the context of his political powers, must be countersigned by a member of the government, who assumes full responsibility for it.
© Photo privée
Heading 4
The Treaty of London of 1867 redefined the status of the Grand Duchy. Napoleon III tried to acquire Luxembourg, but failed because of Bismarck's refusal to allow a former member of the German Confederation to fall under French rule. At the time, the City of Luxembourg was still occupied by a Prussian federal garrison. Following the 'Luxembourg Crisis', an international conference was organised in London to prevent a French-Prussian war. Prussia agreed to withdraw its garrison from the fortress of Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy was declared perpetually neutral.
'' Change does not have to be dictated from above — it starts with you. Critical thinking must be your tool, and your power to question, innovate, and shape the future. Education is your best way to become informed and engaged citizens capable of resisting disinformation. ''
S.A.R. le Grand-Duc Henri
Heading 5
This inviolability implies the Grand Duke's complete unaccountability. His unaccountability is general and absolute, both from a penal and political point of view. The Grand Duke's political unaccountability has the ministerial responsibility as its counterpart. Indeed, any measure adopted by the Grand Duke in the context of his political powers, must be countersigned by a member of the government, who assumes full responsibility for it.
- Visits typically begin and end at Luxembourg Airport
- Government representatives greet the visiting Head of State
- The first official event is a welcome ceremony
- The ceremony takes place outside the Grand Ducal Palace
- Visits typically begin and end at Luxembourg Airport
- Government representatives greet the visiting Head of State
- The first official event is a welcome ceremony
- The ceremony takes place outside the Grand Ducal Palace
Orders and coats of arms
Lorem ipsum dolor si amet
