Grand Duke Henri, Duke of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon-Parma, is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte.

On 14 February 1981, then Hereditary Grand Duke, he married Maria Teresa Mestre at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg. They have five children.

On 7 October 2000, he became Head of State of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a position he held until his abdication on 3 October 2025 in favour of his eldest son, Guillaume, after 25 years of reign.

Prince Henri then enrolled at the Institut universitaire des hautes études internationales (Graduate Institute of International Studies) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1980. Prince Henri met his future wife Maria Teresa Mestre during their university studies.

In 1989, he was appointed Honorary Major of the Parachute Regiment of the United Kingdom.

He also travelled extensively overseas to further his knowledge and education, particularly to the United States and Japan.

As Crown Prince, Prince Henri was an ex officio member of the Council of State from 1980 until 1998, which gave him insight into the legislative and institutional procedures and workings of the country.

From 1978 to 2000, Prince Henri was Honorary Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. As such, he presided over numerous international trade and economic missions in order to promote the image of the Grand Duchy. His personal involvement in these missions facilitated access to new commercial markets and contributed to attracting investments to Luxembourg. Although his son, Prince Guillaume, took over this official role in 2000, Grand Duke Henri continued to promote his country, notably through State Visits.

At the age of 79, Grand Duke Jean decided to abdicate after 35 years as Head of State, entrusting the Throne to his eldest son. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Chamber of Deputies on 7 October 2000, when Grand Duke Henri vowed to 'obey the Constitution and the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain the national independence and integrity of the territory, as well as public and individual freedoms', as laid down in Article 5 of the Constitution.

In his inaugural speech, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri highlighted the values that characterise Luxembourg’s society, namely solidarity, justice, tolerance, respect for others and humanity.

The first courtesy visits of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess following his accession to the throne took them to France (9-10 October 2000) and to Germany (11-12 October 2000). These visits underline the vital and close ties between Luxembourg and these two neighbouring countries. From April 2001 to June 2002, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess toured the 12 cantons of Luxembourg.

Grand Duke Henri kept up to date about life in Luxembourg by visiting numerous institutions, associations and exhibitions. He also attended concerts, academic sessions and sports events. Through regular visits to companies, occasionally with the Crown Prince, Grand Duke Henri stays informed about the national economy. During his many visits in the social, humanitarian and public health sector, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa frequently joins him, particularly during visits to hospitals and nursing homes.

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have five children and eight grandchildren:

• Prince Charles (born on 10 May 2020) and Prince François (born on 27 March 2023), the two sons of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie;
• Amalia (born on 15 June 2014), Liam (born on 28 November 2016) and Balthazar (born on 7 January 2024), the three children of Prince Félix and Princess Claire of Luxembourg;
• Gabriel (born on 12 March 2006) and Noah (born on 21 September 2007), the two sons of Prince Louis of Luxembourg;
• Victoire (born on 14 May 2024), the daughter of Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and M. Nicolas Bagory.

Grand Duke Henri's hobbies include literature, classical music, nature and sports.  He actively participates in swimming, tennis, skiing and water-skiing.  He enjoys sailing and riding his motorbike. He also goes hunting - a long family tradition which helps to regulate game and fauna on the estates.

During his reign and since his abdication, Grand Duke Henri has tried to spend as much time as possible with his family. He particularly cherishes those moments which allow him to unwind and recharge.