Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, left, will abdicate, with Crown Prince Guillaume taking over (Rafiq Maqbool, Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)A monarchy at the heart of Europe is preparing for a generational change as Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicates the throne on Friday after 25 years as head of state in favour of his eldest son, Guillaume. Henri has filled the largely ceremonial role of grand duke alongside his Cuban-born wife, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, as the government steered the country through troubles such as the 2008 financial crisis, the greatest shock to Luxembourg’s economy since the 1970s. His 43-year-old son followed a similar path — going to school in London, Switzerland, France and Sandhurst before working in Belgian, German and Spanish firms. Guillaume will be Luxembourg’s seventh grand duke since 1890, when the modern monarchy was established. Complex royal politics, as well as the loss of significant territories over the centuries, has meant Luxembourg is not a kingdom.