Meet the Luxembourg royal family tree – all you need to know about the House of Nassau-Weilburg

Whereas some monarchies stretch again for hundreds of years, Luxembourg’s royal household is comparatively younger, solely courting again to the 18th century once they had been initially dominated by the Dutch royal home, often called the Home of Orange-Nassau.

These days, the Home of Nassau-Weilburg guidelines over the European nation, and in contrast to different monarchies that are dominated over by a King or Queen, Luxembourg is definitely helmed by a Grand Duke. Nassau-Weilburg grew to become the ruling home because of a household pact in 1783 which favoured male heirs over feminine heirs, so when Wilhelmina grew to become Queen of the Netherlands, Luxembourg named Adolphe as its Grand Duke.

Girls have dominated Luxembourg, with Grand Duchesses Marie-Adelaide and Charlotte ruling from 1912 to 1964 consecutively. At present, the Grand Duke is Henri, though he has signalled his plans to abdicate sooner or later.

Learn on for all it’s essential know concerning the Home of Nassau-Weilburg…

Household tree

Grand Duke Jean

Born on 5 January 1921, Jean was the Grand Duke of Luxembourg between 1964 and 2000, when he abdicated. Jean was the eldest little one of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix and was the inheritor obvious from his delivery.

As a teen, Jean lived in France, Portugal and New York Metropolis after his household fled the dominion following Germany’s invasion of the nation in 1940 as a part of World Battle II. Jean joined the British navy, seeing fight in the course of the Battle of Caen and the liberations of Brussels and Luxembourg. Resulting from his place within the British Military, the place he served as Colonel of the Regiment of the Irish Guards, Jean would participate in Trooping the Color processions behind the late Queen Elizabeth II till his 2000 abdication.

In October 1952, Jean grew to become engaged to Belgian royal Princess Josephine-Charlotte, and regardless of rumours that the wedding was organized for diplomatic causes, a love blossomed between the duo they usually walked down the aisle on 9 April 1953. The couple welcomed 5 youngsters: Archduchess Marie-Astrid, Grand Duke Henri, Prince Jean, Princess Margaretha and Prince Guillaume.

Jean grew to become Grand Duke in 1964 when his mom, Charlotte, abdicated from the throne. Throughout Jean’s reign, Luxembourg was remodeled into a significant monetary hub of Europe and he gained plaudits from different nations. In 2000, Jean abdicated in favour of his son, Henri, earlier than retiring from royal duties in 2002.

In 2016, Jean was hospitalised with bronchitis and was launched every week later. Nevertheless, on 23 April 2019, he died in hospital on the age of 98 following a pulmonary embolism.

Princess Josephine-Charlotte

Born on 11 October 1927, Princess Josephine-Charlotte was born into the Belgian royal household because the eldest little one of King Leopold III and Princess Astrid of Sweden. Throughout World Battle II, Josephine-Charlotte briefly lived in France and Spain earlier than returning dwelling the place she was held prisoner alongside the remainder of the Belgian royals. Following the battle, Josephine-Charlotte studied in Switzerland and would usually spend time in Luxembourg together with her godmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte.

In 1948, she met Charlotte’s son, Jean, and in 1952 they grew to become engaged earlier than strolling down the aisle in 1953 and subsequently welcoming 5 youngsters. Josephine-Charlotte grew to become the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg in 1964 when her husband inherited the throne following Charlotte’s abdication.

The royal’s predominant pursuits when it got here to her duties included social, cultural and humanitarian points, changing into the president of the Luxembourg Purple Cross and a number of other cultural establishments within the nation.

On 10 January 2005, Josephine-Charlotte died on the age of 77. The royal had been affected by lung most cancers forward of her demise.

Archduchess Marie-Astrid

Born on 17 February 1954, Marie-Astrid is the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte, nonetheless, because of male-favoured primogeniture guidelines, she was by no means in line to the throne. Marie-Astrid was named after the Virgin Mary, and her late grandmother, Princess Astrid, who died in a automobile accident in 1935.

Reviews within the Nineteen Seventies claimed that Marie-Astrid was because of be proposed to by Britain’s Prince Charles, nonetheless, this by no means panned out and on 6 February 1982 she married Archduke Carl Christian of Austria. The couple have welcomed 5 youngsters: Archduchess Marie-Christine (b. 1983), Archduke Imre (b. 1985), Archduke Christoph (b. 1988), Archduke Alexander (b. 1990) and Archduchess Gabriella (b. 1994).

Grand Duke Henri

Born on 16 April 1955, Grand Duke Henri is the present monarch of Luxembourg, assuming the throne on 7 October 2000. He grew to become the inheritor obvious when he was simply 9 years outdated following the abdication of his grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte.

Throughout his training, Henri studied political science and through his research he met Cuban-born María Teresa Mestre y Batista, a fellow pupil. The couple started courting and walked down the aisle on 14 February 1981 and have welcomed 5 youngsters: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien.

Henri ascended to the throne in 2000, but his reign hasn’t at all times been plain crusing. In 2008, the structure of the nation was amended after he refused to signal into regulation a invoice round assisted dying. The modifications meant that his signature was now automated even when he disagreed with the proposed laws. A report, titled the Waringo report, was launched in 2020 that criticised the working of the monarchy and a “tradition of worry” inside the workforce, finally calling for reform of the monarchy.

Like his father and grandmother, Henri is planning to someday abdicate, just lately telling French publication La Libre that he had a “date in thoughts” though he would not reveal when he deliberate to step down.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

Born as María Teresa Mestre y Batista on 22 March 1956, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa is the spouse of Grand Duke Henri, with the pair strolling down the aisle in 1981. Maria Teresa was born in Cuba, however her household fled for New York Metropolis following the Cuban Revolution.

Throughout her time as a royal, Maria Teresa has had a eager curiosity within the charity sector, working for UNESCO, UNICEF, the Luxembourg Purple Cross and an initiative that goals to finish sexual violence in “fragile environments”.

The royal has confronted criticism for remedy of employees with a 2020 report highlighting a “tradition of worry” and in 2023, the prime minister commissioned a report into remedy of employees.

Prince Jean

Born on 15 Might 1957, Jean is the third little one of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and the dual brother of Princess Margaretha. Following his research, Jean accomplished navy coaching at Sandhurst earlier than shifting into the monetary sector and water business.

In 1986, Jean renounced his proper of succession to the throne and a yr later married Helene Vestur. The couple welcomed 4 youngsters: Princess Marie-Gabrielle (b. 1986), Prince Constantin (b. 1988), Prince Wenceslas (b. 1990) and Prince Carl Johan (b. 1992). Nevertheless, on 13 December 2004, Jean and Helene divorced. 5 years later, the prince married Diane de Guerre.

Princess Margaretha

Born on 15 Might 1957, Margaretha is the fourth little one of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and the dual sister of Prince Jean. She obtained a doctorate in social sciences and subsequently grew to become a patron of Dyslexia Worldwide.

On 20 March 1982, Margaretha walked down the aisle with one other royal, Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, the youthful brother of the present monarch of the nation. The duo have welcomed 4 youngsters: Prince Leopold, who sadly died on the day of his delivery, Princess Maria-Anunciata (b. 1985), Princess Marie-Astrid (b. 1987) and Prince Josef-Emanuel (b. 1989)

Prince Guillaume

Born on 1 Might 1963, Prince Guillaume is the youngest little one of Grand Duke Jean and Grand-Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and is presently tenth in line to the throne. Guillaume is the one considered one of his dad and mom’ youngsters nonetheless in line to the throne after his brother, Jean, sacrificed his rights, and his sisters being disbarred from inheriting the throne on the time of their births.

Guillaume has discovered a profession within the monetary sector and presently serves because the director of metal manufacturing firm, ArcelorMittal.

On 8 September 1994, Guillaume walked down the aisle with Sibilla Sandra Weiller y Torlonia and the pair have welcomed 4 youngsters: Prince Paul-Louis (b. 1998), Prince Leopold (b. 2000), Princess Charlotte (b. 2000) and Prince Jean (b. 2004). Though his sons are in line to the throne, Charlotte just isn’t because of legal guidelines on the time of her delivery.

In 2000, Guillaume and Sibilla had been concerned in a significant automobile accident, with the prince falling right into a coma for practically a month. The accident prompted a pause in Guillaume’s father’s abdication, with it going down every week later than initially deliberate.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume

Born on 11 November 1981, Guillaume is the inheritor obvious to the throne of Luxembourg, and as such has carried the title of Hereditary Grand Duke since 2000. Guillaume’s training has seen him examine overseas in England, France and Switzerland and alongside his royal duties, the inheritor to the throne is a colonel within the nation’s navy.

Guillaume saved his courtship of Countess Stephanie de Lannoy out of the press, solely confirming he was courting a “expensive miss” on his thirtieth birthday in 2011. A yr later, the couple’s engagement was confirmed they usually walked down the aisle on 19 October 2012. The pair have welcomed two sons: Prince Charles and Prince Francois.

Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie

Born as Stephanie de Lannoy on 18 February 1984, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie is the spouse of Hereditary Duke Guillaume. Stephanie is the youngest little one of Rely Philippe and Alix, who hail from the Home of Lannoy, considered one of Belgium’s oldest noble households.

Stephanie first met Guillaume in 2004, with the pair crossing paths whereas visiting Germany. Nevertheless, they did not begin courting till 2009, following their second assembly, and their engagement was confirmed in 2012. Along with her husband, she has welcomed sons Charles and Francois.

Prince Felix

Born on 3 June 1984, Felix is the second little one of Grand Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and is presently fourth in line to the throne. Though he joined Sandhurst throughout his training, Felix needed to pull out of his research following a knee harm.

Felix presently runs Château Les Crostes, a wine property in France, and he additionally chairs the Lorgues Terre de Vins affiliation, which goals to advertise the city of Lorgues.

On 17 September 2013, Felix walked down the aisle with Claire Lademacher, and the pair have welcomed three youngsters: Princess Amalia, Prince Liam and Prince Balthazar. The couple’s daughter made historical past as the primary feminine to be allowed within the line of succession whereas male heirs to the throne had been nonetheless alive. Her grandfather, Grand Duke Henri, modified the principles of succession to absolute primogeniture in 2011.

Princess Claire

Born as Claire Lademacher on 21 March 1985, Princess Claire is the spouse of Prince Felix. Claire met her future husband whereas finding out at Collège Alpin Worldwide Beau Soleil in Switzerland. The pair went public with their romance once they attended household weddings collectively, though they had been required to sit down individually.

Claire and Felix married on 17 September 2013 and have welcomed Princess Amalia, Prince Liam and Prince Balthazar. Alongside her husband, Claire runs the Château Les Crostes and she or he additionally works as a bioethics researcher.

Prince Louis

Born on 3 August 1986, Louis is the third little one of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. He graduated from the Richmond American College London with a BA in arts and communications.

Louis renounced his rights within the line of succession when he married Tessy Antony, an NCO within the Luxembourg military, in 2006. The couple welcomed two sons: Prince Gabriel and Prince Noah, and like their father, additionally they aren’t in line to the throne. Louis and Tessy divorced in 2019 with Tessy citing her husband’s “unreasonable behaviour”. Louis appeared to seek out love once more with Scarlett-Lauren Sirgue, with their engagement confirmed in 2021, nonetheless, a yr later the marriage was known as off.

Princess Tessy

Born on 28 October 1985 as Tessy Antony, Princess Tessy is the ex-wife of Prince Louis and the mom to his two youngsters, Prince Gabriel and Prince Noah. Tessy and Louis first met once they served within the navy with the couple welcoming their first little one earlier than their marriage ceremony on 29 September 2006.

Citing “unreasonable behaviour”, Tessy divorced from Louis in 2019, giving up her royal titles. Tessy has since discovered love with Swiss businessman Frank Floessel, they usually welcomed a son, Theodor, on 26 August 2021.

Princess Alexandra

Born on 16 February 1991, Alexandra is the one daughter of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and is eighth in line to the throne. From her delivery, Alexandra was initially excluded from the road of succession, however after Henri issued a decree for absolute primogeniture, her place was restored.

On 22 April 2023, Alexandra walked down the aisle with Nicolas Bagory and the pair welcomed their daughter, Princess Victoire, on 14 Might 2024.

Prince Nicolas

Born as Nicolas Bagory on 11 November 1988, Nicolas is the husband of Princess Alexandra after strolling down the aisle together with her on 22 April 2023. Nicolas has largely stayed out of the highlight, however he was born in Brittany, France, and studied political science and classics at college. He now works in “the creation of social and cultural initiatives.”

Prince Sebastien

Born on 16 April 1992, Prince Sebastien is the youngest little one of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and is tenth in line to the throne. Following his training, Sebastien studied at Sandhurst Army Academy and subsequently joined the Luxembourg navy, the place he serves as a platoon commander.

Prince Charles

Born on 10 Might 2020, Prince Charles is the oldest son of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie and is second in line to the throne. Because of the coronavirus pandemic on the time, Charles was launched to his grandparents by way of video name.

Prince Francois

Born on 27 March 2023, Prince Francois is the youngest little one of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie. Lovely pictures launched for his first birthday noticed the younger royal blowing out candles on his cake alongside his older brother.

Princess Amalia

Born on 15 June 2014, Princess Amalia is the oldest little one of Prince Felix and Princess Claire and is fifth in line to the throne. Princess Amalia was a benefactor of Grand Duke Henri’s modifications to guidelines round succession, making her the primary feminine born into the Luxembourg royal household who was an inheritor to the throne on the time of her delivery.

Prince Liam

Born on 28 November 2016, Prince Liam is the center little one of Prince Felix and Princess Claire and is sixth in line to the throne. Prince Liam was truly christened on the Vatican, with the service being held on 26 April 2017.

Prince Balthazar

Born on 7 January 2024, Prince Balthazar is the youngest little one of Prince Felix and Princess Claire and is seventh in line to the throne. A press release on the time of his delivery learn: “It’s with nice pleasure that we announce the delivery of our son. The prince was born on seventh January 2024 on the Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte. The new child Prince might be named Balthasar Felix Karl. He weighs 3.220 kg (7lbs 1 oz) and measures 50 cm. Prince Balthasar and Princess Claire are in good well being. Félix and Claire with Amalia and Liam.”

Prince Gabriel

Born on 12 March 2006, Prince Gabriel is the oldest son of Prince Louis and Princess Tessy and was the primary grandchild of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. Gabriel was born out of wedlock, and when his father relinquished his rights to the throne, Gabriel’s declare was additionally erased.

Chatting with Royal News following his 18th birthday, Gabriel revealed he deliberate to take a niche yr in New Zealand earlier than heading to school. On his future, he mused that he wish to work with supporting animals.

Prince Noah

Born on 21 September 2007, Prince Noah is the youngest little one of Prince Louis and Princess Tessy. Chatting with HELLO! about her sons, Tessy stated: “I give them a process and say: ‘How about you do it your self and when you’ve got an issue, you inform me.’ I try to train them to turn out to be a extra impartial and assured pupil, though it would not at all times work and typically they could be a bit drained and distracted – just like us adults.”

Princess Victoire

Born on 14 Might 2024, Princess Victoire is the primary little one of Princess Alexandra and Prince Nicolas. A press release asserting her delivery learn: “The Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess have the good pleasure of asserting the delivery of their granddaughter Victoire, first little one of their daughter Alexandra and their son-in-law Nicolas, born this Tuesday, Might 14 in Paris. Each mom and little one are doing nicely.”

Line of succession

1. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume
2. Prince Charles
3. Prince Francois
4. Prince Felix
5. Princess Amalia
6. Prince Liam
7. Prince Balthazar
8. Princess Alexandra
9. Princess Victoire
10. Prince Sebastien
11. Prince Guillaume
12. Prince Robert
13. Prince Alexandre
14. Prince Frederik