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Grand Duchess Maria Teresa: Monarchy is not just a beautiful illusion!
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg announces his abdication in October 2025. Maria Teresa criticizes the monarchy and the media.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa: Monarchy is not just a beautiful illusion!
On October 3, 2025, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will abdicate after 25 years on the throne. He hands over the succession to the throne to his eldest son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, who is 43 years old. Guillaume will shape the future of the monarchy together with his wife Stéphanie, who will become the new Grand Duchess. The couple has five children: Guillaume, Félix (40), Louis (38), Alexandra (34) and Sébastien (33). Together they are also grandparents of eight. This handover marks a turning point for the Luxembourg monarchy.
In recent years, the grand ducal couple has faced several challenges. The corona pandemic and a comprehensive restructuring of the farm, initiated by the government, put a strain on the institution. After a six-month investigation, special representative Jean Waringo called for comprehensive reforms in the areas of finance, human resources management and the working atmosphere at the court. This was also evident in the role of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, who has been under considerable pressure in recent months. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel made it clear that there was “no place” for her at court, which has fueled public debate about her future.
Criticism of the public perception of the monarchy
Maria Teresa, who has been married to Henri for 44 years, raises concerns about public perception of the monarchy. She sharply criticizes the fact that too much importance is attached to social media and external appearances. “Monarchies are not a red carpet,” is their urgent appeal. She emphasizes that it is important to prioritize content over appearance. This becomes all the more remarkable because Maria Teresa has been campaigning for women's rights and against violence against women for decades.
Given her own time in office, the Grand Duchess also reflects on personal failures. “The pressure that comes with public life can be overwhelming,” admits Maria Teresa, adding that she feels like she wants to “eliminate” at court. Despite these difficulties, Henri always stood by his wife and emphasized that the monarchy “must be supported by the ruling couple.” He has appealed for the integration of non-Luxembourgs and focused on creating a balance between economic development, ecology and social well-being.
The path to abdication is accompanied not only by personal discomfort, but also by an increasing social discussion about the role of monarchies in today's world. In an atmosphere characterized by populism and a critical media landscape, the royal families feel pressured to address the questions and wishes of the public. As Maria Teresa emphasizes, the future of the monarchy should not be based only on the gloss of its appearance, but on the values and content that it embodies.
It remains to be seen how the situation in Luxembourg will develop and which reforms will actually be implemented. The grand ducal couple has had a challenging year, which may shape them in a different way after their abdication.