Honouring a Legacy: An historic leadership transition

After nearly 50 years of extraordinary service as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has passed the torch to HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg — marking a historic leadership transition for World Scouting’s global fundraising foundation. The announcement was made during the 78th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event in Stockholm, bringing together Baden-Powell (BP) Fellows and supporters from across the globe to celebrate the impact of Scouting in Sweden and worldwide, recognise the generosity and unwavering commitment of the BP Fellowship network, and honour His Majesty’s unparalleled support for Scouting. For nearly five decades, His Majesty has embodied the values of Scouting — championing values-based leadership for young people and inspiring Scouts and supporters around the world. Across countries and generations, he has become known as “The Scout King” or “Our Scout King”. Time and again, these have been genuine, personal encounters. Over countless visits and gatherings, His Majesty has listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and shown real interest in young people’s experiences and aspirations. He has also engaged with BP Fellows and partners in support of the World Scout Foundation, dedicating exceptional energy to strengthening the Foundation and mobilising resources so that more young people, in more communities worldwide, can experience Scouting and its benefits.

On the occasion of the 78th BP Fellowship Event — and following His Majesty’s recent 80th birthday — He formally passed the torch to HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, appointed by the World Scout Foundation Board as the next Honorary Chair. In recognition of His Majesty’s exceptional contribution, the World Scout Foundation Board appointed him Honorary Founder by special resolution — an enduring tribute to his unparalleled commitment to empowering young people and building a more peaceful and inclusive world. While this role is expected to be less active, the spirit of Scouting remains strong, and as we know, “Once a Scout, always a Scout!” 

HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg now takes on the role of Honorary Chair of the World Scout Foundation. A member of the Foundation’s Board since 2017, Chief Scout of Scouting in Luxembourg and a Scout since his formative years, His Royal Highness has been a constant advocate for Scouting and a committed supporter of the Foundation’s efforts to grow its impact through stronger engagement and increased fundraising. In His new role, His Royal Highness will work alongside the Board, Baden-Powell Fellows, partners and supporters to build on the momentum created under His Majesty’s leadership, helping ensure that World Scouting can reach and support even more young people, in more communities, for generations to come.

The World Scout Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to His Majesty The King of Sweden for a lifetime of visionary service, and warmly welcomes HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg as Honorary Chair. Together, this transition honours an extraordinary legacy while reaffirming a shared commitment to young people and to Scouting’s future.