Monarchy of Luxembourg: FAQs

Q: When was the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg established?
A: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was established after the Congress of Vienna in 1815 in personal union with the Netherlands.

Q: Is Prince Louis in line for the succession of the throne?
A: Prince Louis announced he would renounce his style and title and his right for the succession when he married. Though, later the Grand Duke Henri issued a Royal Decree restoring the styles and titles, and making the bride of Prince Louis a Princess of Luxembourg.

Q: What is the surname of the Grand Ducal Family?
A: The Royal House of Nassau-Weilburg can be considered to be the surname of the Ducal Family of Luxembourg.

Q: What are the powers of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg?
A: Though the role is largely ceremonial, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg still holds several key reserve powers, these include the appointing of the Prime Minister, dissolving parliament and signing bills into law.

Recently however, it was announced that Ministers were reviewing the powers of the Veto of the Sovereign, as the Grand Duke had made it known that he would veto any bill that would legalize euthanasia in Luxembourg. The power of Veto was given up by the Monarch after the vote.

Q: When did the Grand Duke ascend to the throne?
A: Grand Duke Henri succeeded to the throne in 2000 upon the abdication of Grand Duke Jean – it is tradition both in the Netherlands and Luxembourg for the Sovereigns to retire by abdicating the throne in favour of their successor.