Tuesday, April 23, 2019

RIP Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg (1921-2019)

The Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg announced that HRH Grand Duke Jean passed away early this morning. I am sorry to learn of the death of this model constitutional monarch and beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Reigning from 1964 to 2000, he was the last surviving head of state who had fought in World War II. Grand Duke Jean abdicated on October 7, 2000, just over a week after I started my website in New York on September 29. Therefore his was the first royal reign whose end I "reported" on, as I now report on the end of his long life. Obituaries: European Royal History Journal, Telegraph. A state funeral will be held on Saturday May 4.

I think this four-generation photo from last summer captures the joy Grand Duke Jean took during his retirement in being surrounded by his family. Standing: Antonius Willms (b 1988) holding his son Zeno (b 2018), his wife (Zeno's mother) Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Nassau (b 1986), her father Prince Jean (b 1957).
Seated: Grand Duke Henri (b 1955), Grand Duke Jean (1921-2019), Grand Duchess Maria Teresa (b 1956).