published12. September 2022, 08:06
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Adelspert Stéphane BernElizabeth II and her links with Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG – Stéphane Bern, an expert in Luxembourg nobility and history, told us about the relationship between the late queen and the Grand Ducal family.
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The Franco-Luxembourgish had the honor of meeting Elizabeth II.
–AFP
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What was the relationship between the queen and Luxembourg like?
There was already a close bond between Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Charlotte during World War II. The two were in London at the time and were very attached to the royal family. This connection remained. Elizabeth II and Grand Duke Jean were also the only two heads of state to actually stand on the battlefield.
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Under such circumstances, of course, very close bonds are formed …
Yes, they were very close. They often rode together. They also called each other by nicknames: “Johnny” and “Lillibet”.
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Did the two families remain friends for a long time afterwards?
Clear! Elizabeth’s visit to Luxembourg in 1967 was a great event. And the grand ducal family also made frequent trips to the UK. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, for example, recently participated in the Queen’s Jubilee (…). I was also very surprised that Luxembourgers found so many photos of encounters between the Windsors and the Grand Ducal family. Yes, it was truly a close friendship between the families. Sometimes, people also wondered if Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, sister of the Grand Duke Henri, would marry Prince Charles …
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–From 8 to 12 November 1976, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Grand Duchy.
Here in the city of Luxembourg.
–editpress
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–Here the queen unveils a memorial in honor of the artist Henry Moore.
–editpress
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–He walked the streets with His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Jean.
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Will the friendship last under King Charles III?
I could also imagine it getting even tighter. Charles is, so to speak, more “European” than his mother. He has also traveled a lot more. And Prince William is even more so. His wife, Duchess Kate, also visited Luxembourg in 2017.
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By the way, can we now also expect a royal visit to the Grand Duchy?
Naturally. King Charles has to tour first and this starts with the UK nations. Then he touches the other countries that recognize him as king. So it would be Canada, Australia and New Zealand and then it’s the turn of the Commonwealth countries. And when that is done, relations in Europe will have to be nurtured again. This would probably be an opportunity for the king to visit us in Luxembourg.
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Could it be that far in the next few months?
He will probably travel to France and Spain first. And logically this should only happen after the coronation, because Britain will be in a long period of mourning. But with King Charles we can also expect changes …
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