Luxembourg Army Honors Grand Duke Henri in Farewell Ceremony After 25 Years as Commander-in-Chief

Marking a significant turning point, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg made his final official visit to the Luxembourg Army in Diekirch, inspecting the troops one last time ahead of his abdication on 3 October. The ceremony at Herrenberg barracks represented the end of his 25-year tenure as Commander-in-Chief.

Present at the event were Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes and Army Chief of Staff Steve Thull. As a gesture of gratitude, Thull presented the Grand Duke with a specially engraved sabre. The blade bore a crowned “H” for Henri, and the scabbard carried the inscription: “25 years Commander of the Luxembourg Army. Thank you for your commitment.” According to official statements, the gift was meant to honour Henri’s dedication and service—both during his time as Prince and after becoming Grand Duke.

Henri’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the Army has spanned a quarter of a century, and his farewell comes as part of a broader constitutional transition. With his abdication imminent, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will take on the throne, ushering in a new chapter for the Grand Duchy. National celebrations are scheduled around the succession, underscoring the ceremonial and symbolic weight of the moment for Luxembourg’s military and citizens alike.

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