Grand Duke Guillaume has expressed a wish to reclaim the Grünewald forest from the Luxembourg state, according to correspondence sent to the Ministry of the Environment.
In a letter addressed to Environment Minister Serge Wilmes, the Administration of the Estate of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg has proposed a meeting to discuss the early termination of a management agreement concluded with the state in 2009.
Since early 2009, the state has been managing the 850 hectares of forest belonging to the grand-ducal family, who remain the owners of the plots located in the Grünewald. The original agreement stipulates that the "surface right" applies for a period of 25 years, running until 1 February 2034.
In the letter to Minister Wilmes – a copy of which has been obtained by RTL – Norbert Becker, president of the Administration of the Estate of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, requested a meeting on 13 March to constructively discuss the terms for early termination of the agreement.
The Grand Duke reportedly wishes to invest in the forest, with a particular focus on leisure and sports programmes, as well as therapeutic and educational initiatives. In addition, he would like future income from forest management to be directed to the Foundation of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
When approached by RTL, the Ministry of the Environment confirmed that such a request had been made, but indicated that the government does not currently intend to end the agreement ahead of schedule.
The Foundation of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie is reportedly receiving an increasing number of requests, particularly from individuals who do not have access to traditional social assistance. The foundation also aims to support disabled people and to initiate projects in the fields of culture, education, youth, sport, health, environmental and animal protection, as well as to commit to the defence of human rights.
Should the forest be returned early, future management of the Grünewald – at the Court's expense – is to be structured around four main pillars:
The Grand Duke is proposing concrete programmes for young people, envisioning a Grünewald that would host school classes, scout groups and thematic activities. He describes the forest as a tool to address societal challenges – a space to combat burnout and promote mental health – with the underlying message that the country cares for its inhabitants as a forest cares for its ecosystem.
A charter would define the principles of sustainability and responsible management for the Grünewald. As a symbol of dynastic continuity, the charter could involve Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, as well as Princes Charles and François – for instance through tree-planting initiatives – though the Court stresses that such actions would not be over-mediatised. The programme, the letter states, would help avoid political instrumentalisation. There would be no moralising speeches or media overexposure, but rather clarity regarding the distinction between private property and the state.
The letter further specifies that the undertaking would cost the state nothing, aside from the income generated through forest management.
The 2009 agreement stipulates that the state is authorised to exploit the forest and must ensure its management according to sustainability criteria. For this "surface right," the state is required to pay €1 annually to the Administration of the Grand Duke's Estate. However, as noted in the text, the Court – as the owner of the forest – waives this payment.
It is worth recalling that the agreement became necessary after the Grand-Ducal family announced its intention to sell the Grünewald – a decision that provoked a strong public reaction across the country. The agreement also specifies that, should the Administration of the Grand Duke's Estate wish to sell the property while the contract remains in force, the state holds a right of pre-emption.
