For more than three and a half centuries, The Dalai Lama, head of Gelug school of Buddhism, has been the symbol of state unification, and thus political leader of Tibet. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Reincarnation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, had assumed Temporal (Political) powers earlier than he was supposed to. Enthroned in 1940 aged 4, The current Dalai Lama took over from his regents (kalons) in 1950, after Communist China invaded Tibet, and in 1959 led thousands of Tibetans in exile after his country was annexed. In 1963, Tenzin Gyatso established a democratic government (kashag) in exile, and in 2011, for the first time in Tibetan history, he paved his way to a democratically elected head of state. Thus Tibet had been ruled by The Dalai Lama for 368 years as both a spiritual & state leader (including 98 years as a Sovereign head of state, albeit 52 of them in exile). His succession, via re-birth - reincarnation - has always been deputized by the Chinese government, on equal terms with The Tibetan Spiritual administration in (capital) Llasa. In 2011, The 14th Dalai Lama stated that his future successor would be authorized by solely his Office - Gaden Phodrang Trust, to avoid interference by The People's Republic of China for assimilation purposes of the Tibetan population. The continuation of reincarnations of The Dalai Lama - who based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition can decide whether and where he will be reborn - was confirmed by His Holiness on 2 July 2025, shortly before his 90th birthday (6 July, 2025).
It was Friday, July 4, 2025; when the 15th meeting of Tibetan Religious Leaders was concluded in Dharamsala, HD, India - the Seat of His Holiness The Dalai Lama since 1960. It took place just two days after The Office of His Holiness released a statement, affirming the Continuation of The Institution of Dalai Lama. After his retirement as Temporal Leader in 2011, The Supreme Monk of Buddhism dealt with the puzzling question of whether his reincarnations should continue or not after his death. As early as in 1969, he had clarified that concerned people should decide on the continuation of the reincarnations of The Dalai Lama in the future. Back in 2011, His Holiness had promised to re-evaluate by the age of ninety the potential continuation of (the formal recognition of) his reincarnations after consultation with high Lamas (monks), of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow the Tibetan Buddhism. Although no public discussion did take place, The Meeting that concluded on July 4 affirmed the following: 1) all participant supported His Holiness recent Statement (July 2, 2025). 2) The reincarnation is a (solely) religious matter. Any exploitation by China for political ends would not be accepted or recognized. 3) Everyone in attendance accepted His Holiness' decision. Thus, when the time comes, only The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama will have the jurisdiction to search for and recognize his rebornsuccessor, according to concrete guidelines set on 24 Sepember 2011.
This announcement came amid a week of festive events & public religious ceremonies, celebrating His Holiness The Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday. The events began Monday, 30 June 2025 - which according to The Tibetan Calendar, was his actual Birthday, falling on The Fifth Day of The Fifth Month, of The Wood-Snake Year. Tibetan administrative & Buddhist delegations were joined by representatives of world's other major religions for the first time, and attended the ceremonies at Tsuglagkhang - the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala - themed to the virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and altruism -- values that His Holiness has practiced throughout his lifetime, alongside the bodhisattva (a Buddhist ritual of prayer & meditation, achieving Peace of Mind, connecting a faithful to Avalokitesvara, the "Lord of the World"). His Holiness was bestown with the title of: "The Peerless Teacher of Twenty-First Century", received special Prayers (by The Central Tibetan Administration on July 5); including 'The Song of Immortality - The Extensive Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness The Dalai Lama'; while on his main 90th Birthday celebration (Sunday, July 6), a Year of Compassion was declared by CTA to honor Tenzin Gyatso's life, "a beacon of love and compassion" as a local official mentioned. Among the 7000 people in attendance on Monday (June 30) & Sunday (July 6), were also administrative members of several Indian states (including Sikkhim), Tibetan officials, His Holiness' family members (including his younger sister, Kasur Jetsun Pema) and celebrities (Holywood actor Richard Gene, Board Chairman of The International Campaign for Tibet), while globally renowned state leaders (three former US Presidents included), send His Holiness their own video messages of Happy Birthday. The Dalai Lama himself, expressed his satisfaction of his purposeful life, dedicated the remaining for helping others, and said that he hoped to live for several more decades, before his birthday cake was cut on each occasion.
Born on 6 July 1935, in a small hamlet in Taktser, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet, Lhamo Thondup was recognized as the tulku (lama's reincarnation) of the previous, 13th Dalai Lama (deceased in 1933) at the age of two. To his discovery contributed the deceased Dalai Lama's head turning towards the northeast during the emblaming process; as well as the visions of the Regent showing a three-storied golden and turquoise-roofed monastery and a path running from it to a hill, unmistakenly showing where the successor of Thubten Gyatso (1876 - 1933) lived. To his confirmation assisted the Golden Urn process, when the young boy, who initially recognized the leading delegate Kewtchang Rinpoche as the Sera Lama (monk of the Sera Monastery), correctly identified items belonging to his predecessor and rejected those that didn't belong to him. Lhamo Thondup and his family -- two of his four surviving brothers - Thubten Jigme Norbu, Taktser Riponche and Tenzin Choegyal, Ngari Riponche - were also recognized as reincarnations of high lamas of Tibetan Buddhism -- moved to capital Llasa in 1939 and lived at the Potala Palace. His Holiness was enthroned there on 22 February 1940, and entered the monkhood by shaving off his head, wearing the maroon monk's robes, and assuming the monastic name: Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, becoming the 14th Dalai Lama. On 17 November 1950 The Dalai Lama was enthroned as Temporal leader o Tiber, at Norbulingka Palace. After nine years of forced cooperation with China, which enforced its sovereignty over Tibet in 1951 and amid high escalation of rebellion and threats for his safety, The Dalai Lama escaped on the night of 17 March 1959 escorted by Tibetan people and arrived to India a few weeks later, being granted asylum.
Ever since His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Manifestation of Avalokiteshvara (or Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion (& patron saint of Tibet), has been regarded as a symbol of Tibetan unity, their identity (lately disregarded by The People's Republic of China), and their freedom & rights for self-determination. His advocacy gained three UN Resolutions (1959, 1961 & 1965) for the protection of Tibetan people, while his philosophical approach of non-violent, peaceful resistence, earned him a Nobel Peace Prize (1989). His Holiness' establishment of a decentralized government in exile (in 1963), democratically elected from representatives of three provinces of Tibet changed the essential role the Temporal Rulers had there from 1643, resembling to that of an absolute Monarch (Sovereign since the Independence of Tibet was declared in 1913). China, which totally annexed Tibet in 1959, considers His Holiness a 'dangerous separatist' even though The Dalai Lama (a holder of Geshe Lharampa doctoral degree in Buddhist Philosophy), has opted for a "middle way" approach in the Sino-Tibetan issue, guaranteeing China's sovereignty over Tibet, in exchange for assurance of peace, human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people. In regards to political control, China has seized it since the 1950s; but what has to do with The Dalai Lama's Spiritual Authority and a secular state cannot have a say on, it remains to be seen how his decision is interpreted by the Central Government after the 'Simple Monk' is gone at 130 years that he hopes to reach!
The world's only Sovereign Grand Duchy was adorned in its tricolore (red-white-light blue) flag one month ago for a very special occasion. This year's National Day of Luxembourg (which fell on Monday June 23) was not only longer than usual (festivities began in the weekend). It was, in every sense, a historic three-day celebration marking the end of the Reign of its Head of State, Grand Duke Henri. On the throne since 7 October 2000, Henri will abdicate as Grand Duke of Luxembourg on October 3, 2025, passing the throne to his son, Crown Prince Guillaume. Since The Official Birthday of The Sovereign falls on the National Day (the outgoing Grand Duke having turned 70 in April), a long weekend of festivities was organized to coincide with Grand Duke Henri's Silver Jubilee year on the throne (even though he won't reach his actual 25th anniversary of accession, stepping down a few days short). Henri was joined by his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and their large family of five children, eight grandchildren and four siblings in a series of events - including The National Day Parade & Thanksgiving Service, Concerts & Performances, Receptions and fireworks - paying tribute to his lifelong commitment to the servive of his country.
The Three-day festivities, to mark Grand Duke Henri's final, 25th Year on the Throne, kicked off Saturday, 21 June (2025), extending the usual National Day celebrations (22-23 June) by one day. The Grand Ducal Family was welcomed at Place Guillaume II by The Major of Luxembourg City Lydie Polfer at around 7:30pm, where The Grand Duke cut a giant multi-tiered Jubilee cake, which was then distributed to the audience of the people present. The Royal family then watched a jazz performance by Dee Dee Bridgewater (accompanied by The National Jazz Orchestra of Luxembourg) after 9pm and was shown a special-edition 15-minute 'Sound & Light' show ('Spectacle Son & Lumiere') of highlights from Henri's 25-year-reign projected on the facade of the Grand Ducal Palace from around 10:45pm. More shows & simultaneous DJ sets took over throughout the night, with The Grand Duchess and members of the family joining in dance as various bands (including of Latin music) took over the stage and run on a loop until 11:45. Public concerts in the theme of 'city sounds' continued for a second night (8:30pm-02:30am) on Sunday (June 22), taking place all across the city of Luxembourg, free of charge.
On the second day of the Official Celebrations, Sunday, June 22, The Grand Ducal Couple, as well as Crown Prince Guillaume & Princess Stephanie, travelled to different cities in Luxembourg to celebrate the National Day's eve alongside local communities. While it's usually the destination of Crown Prince Couple, this time The Grand Duke & Grand Duchess returned to Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg's second largest city, where they first visited after succeeding the throne in October 2000. After the ceremony at The War Memorial, The Sovereign Couple greeted the public from the balcony of city hall, where a reception was hosted in their honor. A rich program of activities followed, including attendance at a local festival, a walkabout (where The Grand Duchess, 69, opted to drive in a golf-car due to knee pain) & the lighting of Luxembourg's Scout campfire. A similar program was followed by The Crown Prince Couple, who spent their afternoon in Mondercange. Guillaume & Stephanie laid a wreath to the Town's Memorial for the Dead (Monument aux Morts), observed a parade of local associations, met with residents of different ages in "A Bosselesch" club and attended a children's show & a popular festival before lighting The Scout's campfire. The entire Royal Family was back t Luxembourg City in the evening for the traditional "torchlight procession" (Fakelzuch) by The Grand Duchy's Scout Associations. The Hereditary Grand Duke (Guillaume), who inherited the role of Luxembourg's Chief Scout from his grandfather in 2019, practiced the customary greeting sign of raising his right hand's three middle fingers as some 25,000 members of the capital city's associations marched down the Place Guillaume II with a lighten torchlight. The parade began with a serenade by the military band and later was followed by a spectacular 17-minute, firework display, observed from Adolphe Bridge after 11pm.
The National Day itself (Monday, June 23) was full of emotional discharge for The Grand Duke, who - having turned 70 on April 16 (2025) - celebrated his final Official Birthday as Sovereign Head of State. The last of the three days of Silver Jubilee celebrations began at The Philarmonie of Luxembourg at 9:45am with the annual National Day ceremony solely dedicated in tribute to HRH Grand Duke Henri. As every year, official speeches were offered by The Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden and by The President of The Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler. Frieden used most of his speech to thank both The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess - whose patronage, "Speak! Stand! Rise Up!" has since 2019 assisted women & children affected by conflicts or domestic violence - and express his aspiration for continuing work for the country under the next reign. He noted that although The Grand Duke can not make partial remarks as Constitutional Monarch, his statements (under the government's responsibility) have streered the country to a certain direction. Wiseler, in his turn, referred to the constitutional crisis in 2008 and the eventual change of The Grand Duke's executive remit (making him able to enact laws - article 49 of the Constitution - through only 'promulgation', instead of his 'royal assent') as a catalyst for change (~re-adaptation) of The Monarchy's role. Back in 2008 Henri refused to sign the bill legalizing Euthanasia into Law - as a devout Catholic - thus leading to a constitutional amendment, which left the Head of State only with the responsibility to 'promulgate' (formally announce) the enacted laws. A 35-minute video-documentary titled: "The Story of a Reign: 25 Years Service to Luxembourg", produced by The Government, was also screened as a gift to The Sovereign, followed by a widespread applause. It included the recount from the secret surprise The Grand Duchess prepared for her husband on his 60th Birthday, fullfiling his dream to conduct a full-scale chamber orchestra (at The Philarmonie!).
Then The Sovereign took the floor for his last National Day address as Head of State, from the podium where he exactly one year before signalled the beginning of the Throne's Transition by announcing his intention to appoint Crown Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant Representative. This time, although filled with emotion and gratitude, The Grand Duke didn't miss to mention of the progress his country had made during the quarter-century of his State Leadership. From the creation of The University of Luxembourg (in 2003) and the research progress in space, data technologies and supercomputers, to the exploration of flora & fauna, "essential" environmental protection, and the country's commitment to solidarity & international cooperation. He also emphasized on the challenges they overcame as a whole, including the financial crisis, the pandemic and international upheavals and praised the Luxembourgish youth who, with energy, creativity, senseof responsibility & opennes to the world continue to move the country towards a better future. In a more personal node, His Royal Highness reflected on his 25 years of service and thanked all those who supported him along this journey. He said that he carried the title "with willpower, loyalty, respect" and the aim to serve and mentioned The Grand Duchess' support through love, commitment and sensitivity. The Grand Duke acknowledged the widespread public support that strengthened him "time and again" and expressed full confidence in his son Guillaume (43) - who is ready & willing to take over, with unwavering commitment, wisdom & deep connection to the country - and daughter-in-law Stephanie (41) -- sharing 'genuine love & commitment' to Luxembourg. Henri concluded his speech by reaffirming his sence of duty until the very last day of his reign. And while he will abdicate on October 3, "I will remain deeply connected to out home country for the rest of my life", and his enduring love for Luxembourg - which has under his reign grown into a 'modern, dynamic, and cosmopolitan country' - will remain steadfast until the end of his days.
The Grand Duke's Speech was followed by a long, standing ovation, with The Grand Duchess, visibly moved, holding back tears. The event at The Philarmonie was attended by members of The Grand Ducal Family, government officials, members of The Parliament, Judiciary, Religious, Municipal & Civil Service administrations also featured a rich programme of orchestral perormances, conducted by Gast Waltzing. Following its conclusion a 21-gun salute was fired from Fetschenhaff at noon, and then the officials (including Defense Minister Yuriko Backes) went from Kirchberg to Avenue de la Liberte for The Military Parade. It began at 12:15' with The Head of State & Hereditary Grand Duke (both dressed in their military uniform) inspecting the Troops (who saluted The Grand Duke by the triple exclamation of "Vive!"), then taking their place in the Dais (alongside their Spouses) and the performance of Royal (Wilhelmus) & National (Ons Heemecht) Anthems. Seven units of military & civilian corps marched in front of Grand Duke Henri for the last time, which included around 1,000 participants, 50 vehicles, 32 service dogs, and 200 musicians. Among the highlights were the bomb-disposal unit & low-flyover of two military aircrafts. The final part concluding the historic National Day & Jubilee celebrations was the religious Te Deum (Thanksgiving) Service at The Notre Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg, at 4:30pm. It was celebrated by The Archbishop of Luxembourg, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich with prayers offered by religious leaders of Jewish, Muslim & Anglican Communities of The Grand Duchy. Senior members of The Royal Family (aka The Grand Duke & Duchess, their male line children & grandchildren) sat next to the altar and listened to the service, choir songs & musical performances visibly moved. In his personal address Hollerich described Henri as a man of "strong conscience, refinement, and tact" with "deep sense of responsibility" and highly evaluated The Monarchy's role in society. It was in every sense, a gentle au revoir, some three months before the Succession of the throne.
Henri's tenure as Head of State has been marked by his attachment to Luxembourg's core values -- tolerance, respect, dignity & solidarity. He was the second child, but first son to Grand Duke Jean (1921 - 2019) who took part in the liberation of Luxembourg in 1944 and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte (1927 - 2005), sister to Belgian Kings Baudouin & Albert II. Born under the reign (1919-1964) of his Grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte (1896 - 1985) under whom The Monarchy was secured as form of Government after a Referendum in 1919, he was the Monarch to formally adopt absolute primogeniture in succession (so that the eldest child can succeed the throne regardless their gender) in 2011. Henri obtained his baccalaureate in France (1974) & graduated from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) as an officer (1975), and has been an active member of Luxembourg's & International Olympic Committees (since the late 1990s) as well as other Foundations supporting environment, mental health & scientific research. He became Crown Prince in 1964 (aged 9) when his grandmother abdicated, and in 1998 his father made him his Lieutenant Representative (carrying out many of the responsibilities of head of state) ahead of his own abdication in 2000. Keeping on with the tradition set by his predecessors, Henri created his older son, Guillaume as Lieutenant Representative, so that he will have some time to prepare for his future role, securing a smooth transition. As his father was between 1978 and 2000, Guillaume is also the Chair of the Economic Development Committee since 2000. He was sworn into the Lieutenanty (~Regency) on October 8, 2024; before his father eventually disclosed his abdication date during his last Christmas Eve address as Sovereign.
Happily married to Cuban-born Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista (breaking with the tradition of brides should coming from royalty) since Valentine's Day 1981, Henri is a proud father of five and doting grandfather of eight, two of them (Prince Louis' sons) already adults. In autumn 2025 Henri & Maria Teresa will become grandparents for the ninth time, as their only daughter, Princess Alexandra is expecting her second child. The Hereditary Grand Duke, who has been married to Countess Stephanie de Lannoy (from The Belgian nobility) since 2012, is father to two sons, Princes Charles (future Crown Prince), 5 & Francois, 2. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are very fond to their grandchildren, with whom they spends his summer breaks and free time in their residence, Chateau de Berg. It was there, at Berg Castle, where The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Duke of Nassau, hosted three additional garden parties to celebrate The National day, first on 20 June (with 700 in attendance) & then on the 25 & 27 of June (2025) with around 340 guests on the 25th. To mark their Silver Jubilee Year, The Royal Couple released their favorite playlist of songs on Spotify, the Grand Duke more into classic & light Pop than the modern-styled Grand Duchess; in the film dedicated to their celebrations, music by a "DJ Vyntrix" emerged, who was later identified as Prince Emmanuel of Belgium, 19, the younger son of King Philippe (Henri's maternal first cousin). An avid sportsman still at the age of 70, Grand Duke Henri still uses his pastime for tennis, hunting, skiing (on the mountain & in the water), reading literature & listening to classical music while The Grand Duchess is into the arts (& design), singing, playing the guitar & breeding their dogs. They'll have more free time for themselves and their growing family from October, when after a customary prepared smooth handover, Luxembourg will get a new Head of State & its coins a new effigy on their front side (the first euro coins have depicted Henri in the past 25 years).
