In early October 2025, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg will be in the spotlight of all Europe. On October 3, a historic ceremony will take place here—His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri, the reigning head of state, will officially abdicate after nearly a quarter of a century on the throne. The crown will pass to his eldest son, the hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. This event will bring together not only members of reigning dynasties, but also key political figures from across the continent, making it one of the most significant social and political gatherings of the year.
Against this glittering backdrop, the absence of one of the pivotal figures among the new generation of monarchs—Spanish Princess Leonor—will be particularly noticeable. While her peers, the future queens Amalia of the Netherlands and Elisabeth of Belgium, will shine at the festivities, the heir to the Spanish throne will remain on the sidelines. The emerging ‘princess club,’ expected to play a major role in strengthening ties among Europe’s monarchies, will gather in an incomplete lineup. Only the royal families of Belgium and the Netherlands have received invitations, leaving out representatives from Spain, Monaco, and the United Kingdom.
The decision by Grand Duke Henri to abdicate, announced in his Christmas address, did not come as a surprise. The process of transferring power had been in preparation for some time; as early as June, he appointed Guillaume as ‘Lieutenant-Representative,’ a formal step toward succession. The future ruler has long been prepared for his role. He is married to Princess Stéphanie de Lannoy, with whom he is raising two sons. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Henri’s wife, has publicly expressed full confidence in the younger generation’s readiness to take responsibility for the country’s future.
The list of confirmed guests highlights the event’s significance. The Luxembourg royal court is expecting the arrival of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands with Queen Máxima and their daughter Amalia, as well as King Philippe of Belgium with Queen Mathilde and heir Elizabeth. The political weight of the ceremony will be underscored by the presence of the presidents of Germany and France, along with the leaders of the European Council and the European Parliament.
While her royal peers attend official receptions, the Princess of Asturias will continue her intensive military training at the Air Force and Aeronautics Academy in San Javier. Many observers view her absence from such an important event as a missed opportunity. These gatherings are more than a formality—they offer a unique chance for future monarchs to establish personal connections and strengthen informal ties that may prove crucial later on. It appears that the Spanish royal family is deliberately keeping the heir at a certain distance from her European counterparts, making her position increasingly isolated.
