The ruler of the world's last Grand Duchy plays an active role in the nation's affairs
GRAND DUKE HENRI of Luxembourg is the ruler of the last Grand Duchy in the world.
A reigning monarch in Europe, he is a head of state who can sanction and promulgate law with the consent of the elected Chamber of Deputies.
He is also inviolable - he cannot be tried or prosecuted - but his actions are checked by the government, headed by the prime minister, who is the leader of the party with the most parliamentary seats.
The popular Grand Duke Henri was born to Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte, formerly Princess of Belgium, in Betzdorf Castle in Luxembourg on April 16, 1955. He took the throne on October 7, 2000 after his father abdicated.
In many constitutional monarchies, royal families have nothing to do with the day-to-day business of countries, but Grand Duke Henri plays an active role in the country's economic and diplomatic dealings.