Friday, September 28, 2012

What Else Went On

While everyone keeps busy staying up to date with the latest news regarding the upcoming wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy (check our updated guest list), the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were busy in the Grand Duchy and abroad with their duties.

Exactly a week ago on Friday 21st, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa officially opened the newly renovated Luxembourg central train station, just in time for its 100th anniversary.

Yesterday the Grand Duke held a speech in front of the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City. During his speech the Luxembourgish head of state called for a reform of the United Nations Security Council to better respond to conflicts around the world.

Also, in the first half of 2013, Grand Duke Henri will pay a state visit to Russia.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Guest List So Far...***


With the Cour Grand Ducale being agonizingly slow in releasing the details that people are most interested in knowing we must turn to foreign press for updates. Keep the interest going don't let it die! For shame!

Below you will find a list of confirmed royal guests. I suspect those couples with older children will probably bring them, too. Dutch press reports that Guillaume's godchild, Princess Ariane, will be part of the wedding.

Denmark
HM The Queen
HRH The Prince Consort
HRH The Crown Prince
HRH The Crown Princess

Norway
HM The King
HM The Queen
HRH The Crown Prince
HRH The Crown Princess
HH Princess Martha Louise
Mr. Ari Behn

Sweden
HRH The Crown Princess
HRH Prince Daniel

The Netherlands
HM The Queen
HRH The Prince of Orange
HRH Princess Maxima

Japan
HIH The Crown Prince

Bulgaria
HM King Simeon II
HM Queen Margarita

Guillaume and Stephanie's Joint Monogram Released


Cour Grand Ducale
The Cour Grand-Ducale has released the first image of Guillaume and Stephanie's joint monogram. The attractive monogram features an elegantly intertwined G and S. The G is designed in Nassau Blue and the S is in Nassau Orange. A filigreed grand ducal crown adorns the top of the monogram. 

An image of Stephanie's individual monogram has yet to be released. Guillaume already has his own individual monogram.

The monogram was designed by a Luxembourgish graphic designer.

A new photograph of the couple was also released this week. The photograph is by Christian Ashman and is likely part of a large set of images.

Source: Cour Grand-Ducale

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Imre and Katie honeymoon in India


The normally quiet Archduke Imre doesn't seem to be disappearing from the news after his wedding to Kathleen Walker. Imre and Katie are enjoying the second stage of their honeymoon in romantic in India. The couple visited Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. They have toured all of the traditional tourist hot spots and still plan a visit to the home of Mother Teresa.

While speaking to a reporter from The Times of India, Katie mentioned that she grew up hearing about India. Her grandfather Charles Kelly was stationed in Calcutta during WWII. It wasn't mentioned in the article but Imre's mother, Princess Marie-Astrid, accompanied by his youngest brother spent some time in India during the past few years. Princess Marie-Astrid was working in her official capacity (which she receives pitifully little recognition for). No doubt they shared many stories and photographs with Imre.

Unlike ordinary tourists, the couple are guests of the Maharajah of Jaipur's family. The Maharajah himself is only 13 years old. Imre and his wife are staying in the truly magnificent City Palace in Udaipur. The palace should be impressive even to someone who is accustomed to royal palaces and castles.

After reading about some of the recent intrigue, feuding, and dramatic family politics involving their host's family I suggest that Imre and Katie sleep with one eye open and employ a food taster for the remainder of their time in Jaipur.

The couple began their honeymoon in Greece there is no word if India is the final leg of their journey. The article in The Times of India features a photograph of the couple enjoying one of the destinations in "the Pink City."

Source: The Times of India

More Wedding Updates


The wedding of The Hereditary Grand Duke and Countess Stephanie de Lannoy is almost here!!

If you were born on November 11, 1981 or February 18, 1984 you could meet Guillaume and Stephanie at a special reception on the day of their civil union. If you will be in Luxembourg for the wedding and share a birthday with one of the couple send an email to ministere.etat@me.etate.lu.

If you plan to be in Luxembourg for the royal wedding you may also want to take advantage of Luxembourg City's special deal for tourists associated with the wedding.

If you will be in Luxembourg in the weeks leading up to the wedding you may want to drop in and sign the biggest greeting card in the history of the Grand Duchy. This novel card will tour Luxembourg making numerous stops (34 towns/35 shopping centers) before being presented to the couple. I'm not exactly sure what Guillaume and Stephanie will do with the card but it appears attractive and colorful.

As we've mentioned several times already the Foundation of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess has set up special accounts associated with the wedding. Guillaume and Stephanie have expressed a desire to promote and fund social projects in Luxembourg. Donations are typically requested in lieu of gifts. Anyone can use the simple online donation function on the website.

The government of Luxembourg  has released information noting that the state is only paying 350,000 Euro for the wedding. If you compare this with the weddings of other crown princes you can see that this is a HUGE bargain for the state of Luxembourg. The Grand Ducal Family is paying for all of the other expenses associated with the wedding. I have no doubts that the amount paid by The Grand Duke far exceeds the 350,000 paid by the state.

Sources: Gouvernement Luxembourgeois, Wort, L'Essential, Tageblatt, RTL, Luxembourg City Tourist Office

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Once Upon a Time...

Looking forward to the next royal wedding? Can't wait for the big Luxembourgish bash to finally be here? There's just a little more than a month to wait until the big day finally arrives. Meanwhile, immerge yourself in a few treasures the cour has released to keep yourself occupied.

Have a look at pictures of the wedding of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix de Bourbon de Parme, pictures of the engagement and wedding of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and finally pictures of the engagement and wedding of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa.


Saturday, September 15, 2012

Grand Duke Goes Environmental

On Friday afternoon, the Oekofoire, an eco fair, opened at LuxExpo and Grand Duke Henri was on hand to witness it. After the opening, he toured the 25th edition of the environmental fair and had a look at what the exhibiting companies had to offer.

Both Wort and Tageblatt have pictures, as does the amazing Manuel Dias. RTL covered the event in their evening news.


Source: Wort, Tageblatt

State Visit Lurking Around the Corner

During his summer holidays in France, Grand Duke Henri did venture out of your typical summer holiday activities and met with one of his neighbour at Cabasson, the Côte d'Azur home of the grand ducal family. Meeting your average neighbour usually might not be newsworthy, but when the French president lives next door, it is. The Grand Duke and the French president François Hollande met twice during their summer break and Monsieur Hollande invited his Luxembourgish counterpart to officially visit him in Paris. It is not known yet, when the state visit will take place.


Source: Tageblatt

Friday, September 14, 2012

Presenting: Archduke Imre & Archduchess Kathleen of Austria

The newly weds Archduke Imre & Archduchess Kathleen
With Luxembourg's next royal wedding lurking just around the corner, it is a good time as any to have another look at the wedding of Archduke Imre of Austria, second child and oldest son of Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, and his now wife née Kathleen Elizabeth Walker.

The couple exchanged vows in a Roman Catholic wedding ceremony, the subsequent mass was celebrated in Tridentine Rite. They were married in the St. Mary Mother of God Church in Washington D.C.'s Chinatown.
The groom awaiting his bride
The bride entering the church on her father's arm
Kathleen wore a white Pronovias wedding gown with added long sleeves and a moderate train, which she finished off with upswept hair and an antique lace veil, which belongs to her husband's family. The Habsbourg veil was most recently worn by Imre's sister Archduchess Marie-Christine on her wedding day to Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum. The veil was anchored by three strings of pearls.
Imre's sister Archduchess Gabriella was among the bridesmaids, his brothers Archduke Christoph and Archduke Alexander as well as his cousin Prince Félix were his groomsmen alongside two friends.
Inside the church
The wedding was attended by some 300 guests. Among them many members of Imre's family like his cousins Prince Félix, whose girlfriend Claire Lademacher was also a guest, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien of Luxembourg, his aunt Princess Margaretha and her children Princess Marie-Astrid and Prince Josef, his uncle Prince Guillaume, his wife Princess Sibilla and their youngest son Prince Jean, as well as the children of Imre's uncle Prince Jean, Princess Marie-Gabrielle, Prince Constantin, Prince Wenceslas and Prince Carl. Naturally, a lot of other Habsbourg's and other royals and nobles were also in attendance.
Saying "yes"
Archduke Imre and his wife met on October 21st, 2010 at the very same church they got married in last Saturday. That day a Missa Cantata for Blessed Emperor Karl of Austria, the groom's great-grandfather, was held at the church in Washington D.C. A week before the wedding, a shrine at the church was dedicated to the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 
Joined together in holy matrimony
Archduke Imre was born in 1985 and grew up in Switzerland and Belgium. After having studied in St. Gallen (Switzerland) and Madrid (Spain), he recently earned his master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe, Natolin Campus in Poland. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Archduchess Kathleen attended the Northern Kentucky University and received a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science. The oldest of seven children of Robert S. and Margaret M. Walker, Kathleen recently worked as Communications Director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. She is a pro-life activist (and let me add that even if one does not agree with her views, there is such a thing as freedom of speech and that everyone is entitled to their opinion and basic respect should be shown).
Bishop Paul Loverde presenting a letter by the Pope
The couple, who will live in the Belgian capital Brussels after their honeymoon, was presented a letter from Pope Benedict XVI. on the occassion of their nuptials.  Through the wedding, which was, not very surprisingly, approved by the head of the Habsbourg family, Archduke Karl, the former Miss Kathleen Elizabeth Walker is now officially styled as HI&RH Archduchess Kathleen Elizabeth of Austria. As Austria has abolished nobility, she would be legally known as Kathleen Elizabeth Habsburg-Lothringen there. Her new father-in-law Archduke Carl-Christian and his older brother Archduke Rudolf as well as their descendants were incorporated into the Belgian nobility with the title "Prince de Habsbourg-Lorraine" and the style of "Serene Highness" by the late King Baudouin of the Belgians.
At the reception
After the wedding a reception was held at the St. Regis Hotel. During his speech the groom's father Archduke Carl-Christian said, among other things, that it does not matter from what family you are from, as every family has their history and that the history of the one family is just better documented. All pictures are by Craig Spiering of Spiering Photography.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A Busy Grand Duke

With another school year over and university starting soon, it was time for the Grand Duke to receive Luxembourg's best at the palais grand-ducal. Like every year, the students with the best high school diploma had an audience with the head of state himself.

From the cozy warmth (naturally, I'm assuming here cause I've never been there) of the palace, he made his way to into the pouring rain to commemorate the 1952 Olympic gold medal of 1500m runner Josy Barthel at a sporting event. Manuel Dias was on hand to snap a few shots, RTL had a report about it in their news.

Being on a roll, Grand Duke Henri named a police station for himself today. The Cité policière Kalchesbréck is now proudly named Cité policière Grand-Duc Henri and was toured by its new name giver, who was able to have an ensuring look that his castle still stands.

Meanwhile, if you haven't seen enough wedding pictures of Archduke Imre and Archduchess Kathleen, I can recommend a few more links: Revue basically has bigger version of the Tageblatt pictures, so better hop over to the website of Craig Spiering, the official wedding photographer, who has amazing pictures. Also, the Washington Post and Hola have articles about the wedding.

Oh, and of course the Grand Duke was in London for the closing ceremony of the Paralympics Games in London on Sunday. He was accompanied by his son Prince Louis and his daughter-in-law Princess Tessy.


Sources: Cour grand-ducale, Wort

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

An American Archduchess

There were no carriages, no white horses or glittering tiaras but make no mistake this was a fairytale just the same: this was the day a pretty American girl became an Imperial Archduchess.

Once upon a time, on a warm Saturday morning, a black car pulled in front of a lovely church.  While the day had saw the arrival of a gushing groom, his proud and loving parents, and many of his friends and family no arrival was so anticipated as that which was now at hand.  The excitement was palpable. When the car stopped the wedding planner, the doorman, and  the protocol and liason officer rushed quickly to the back passenger door. The door opened to reveal a beautiful, smiling face immersed in a sea of satin and lace. 

Accompanied by her mother and father, Kathleen Elizabeth Walker was helped out of the car.  Her hair was swept up and adorned with three strings of pearls and a long snow white veil of lace. The driver opened the trunk and the mother handed her a bouquet of flowing white, pink, and pale pink roses.  Her dress now properly situated the bride, exuding elegance and poise becoming of the position she would soon acquire, began her march up the stairs. 

 
 
Before entering the church, Kathleen paused, turned and faced her father who was behind her and sweetly said "come on dad".  Inside awaited her handsome husband-to-be, Archduke Imre of Austria, her family and friends and members of no less than five royal  families.

The young woman entered the big brown doors as an ordinary American girl called Katie and exited them as Her Imperial and Royal Highness Archduchess Kathleen of Austria--an American Archduchess!


It was a pleasure to see this personally and I join Lux-arazzi and its readers in congratulating  TIRH Archduke Imre and Archduchess Kathleen as they embark on a long, happy and blessed life together.

Citizenship for Stephanie a Hot Issue

The bill put before the Chamber of Deputies to grant citizenship to Countess Stephanie de Lannoy upon her marriage to The Hereditary Grand Duke is stirring debate in Luxembourg.

While the bill is expected to easily pass some members of the chamber clearly will not vote in favor of granting citizenship to the new Hereditary Grand Duchess.    The fact that Stephanie is in a unique and special situation seems to be lost on certain parts of the population and some political parties. Stephanie is already under extreme pressure to quickly learn the Luxembourgish language and immediately integrate into the culture. While normal immigrants also experience pressure it cannot seriously be compared to the expectations that politicians, the Grand Ducal Family and the public already have for Countess Stephanie. She will NOT be given seven years to integrate or learn the language. I doubt if she will even receive the courtesy of having a full year to learn Luxembourgish before complaints begin about how long it is taking her to learn the language.

Granting citizenship to the new spouse of the monarch or heir to the throne is nothing new to The Grand Duchy. It is a long established tradition! When Grand Duchess Charlotte married Prince Felix de Bourbon de Parme in 1919 he was granted citizenship, a title and admitted to the nobility of Luxembourg on the occasion of his marriage. Princess Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium received citizenship when she married then Hereditary Grand Duke Jean in 1953. Most recently, when Maria Teresa Mestre married the current Grand Duke in 1981 she became a citizen of Luxembourg. While I cannot find any documents to prove that Infanta Maria Ana of Portugal became a citizen of Luxembourg when she married Grand Duke Adolphe's heir in 1893, I feel rather confident that the tradition of citizenship began with her. It isn't simply a Luxembourg tradition. I cannot think of a single European monarchy that doesn't grant citizenship to foreigners when they marry into their ruling families. The situations of Princess Maxima, Crown Princess Mary, Princess Marie and Princess Alexandra (now Countess) spring to mind. If a woman enters into an approved marriage with a Prince of Liechtenstein she automatically gains citizenship.

Have any of those complaining about and debating this issue considered the legal problems that could arise if she doesn't become a citizen of Luxembourg? In a few short weeks Countess Stephanie de Lannoy, an ordinary citizen of Belgium with no extra ordinary privileges or protections, will become Her Royal Highness The Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. From that moment on, she will be expected to dedicate her entire life to Luxembourg, her people and her interests. So, what happens if she remains just an ordinary citizen of Belgium? Keep in mind that Stephanie's noble title and lineage do not earn her any special legal protections in Belgium or abroad. What if in her capacity as The Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg or later as The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg she is required to travel overseas on a state visit or some other government initiated mission? Will this ordinary citizen of Belgium who happens to be a member of the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg be granted protection, accommodation and other necessary legal privileges to carry out her role?

Is it truly fair to expect Stephanie to give up her career, freedom, and the ability to really control her own future in exchange for a lifetime of service to Luxembourg without the gift of citizenship? Honestly, I think that if people and the government want Stephanie to remain an ordinary citizen of Belgium then they shouldn't require any official duties from her for the seven years it would take her to earn citizenship on her own.

Stephanie isn't marrying any old prince. She is marrying the heir. She is the future Grand Duchess and her first child will one day be the Grand Duke or Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. I can't see the point in complaining about giving "special status" when everything about her situation and her marriage is special. If you are a member of government in a nation that is a monarchy you simply have to have enough common sense to know that certain members of the ruling family (the monarch, consort, heir and heir's consort) must by the very nature of the system enjoy special status.

I don't necessarily think that marriage should always come with the gift of citizenship but in the case of members of the Grand Ducal Family exceptions simply must be made.

Source: Wort

A Lannoy Baby

Recently, Countess Stephanie, the future wife of the Hereditary Grand Duke, became an aunt. Her sister-in-law Countess Luisa gave birth to a baby boy on September 5th. The boy's name is Ignace, he is the second child of Stephanie's brother Countt Christian and his wife. Their first child is a daughter called Teresa.


Source: Carnet Mondain

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Wedding Pictures

Tageblatt has published a 46 visual strong gallery of the wedding of Archduke Imre of Austria and his now wife née Kathleen Walker. In the pictures, taken by Jean-Claude Ernst, the couple and their guests can be seen in- and outside the church as well as at the reception, venture over and have a look here.

After studying all the pictures available extensively, I am certain that Archduchess Kathleen was wearing the same antique Habsbourg veil that the groom's sister Archduchess Marie-Christine wore three years ago at her wedding to Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum.

Guests at the Wedding of Archduke Imre

I went through the pictures of the wedding of Archduke Imre and new Archduchess Kathleen of Austria taken by Marlene A. Koenig from the Royal Musings blog (in case you've hadn't had a look you, I encourage you to do so: "Archduke Imre and Archduchess Kathleen of Austria" and "Washington's Imperial Wedding: Archduke Imre and Kathleen Walker") to see who attended the wedding.

The groom's parents Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria and Archduchess Marie-Astrid of Austria (née Princess of Luxembourg) and their children Archduchess Marie-Christine, Archduke Christoph, Archduke Alexander and Archduchess Gabriella. Archduchess Marie-Christine's husband Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum was also among the guests.

The groom's cousins, and children of Grand Duke Henri, Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sébastien of Luxembourg also attended the wedding.

The groom's aunt Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (née Princess of Luxembourg) and her children Princess Marie-Astrid and Prince Josef of Liechtenstein were present as well.

While the twin brother of Princess Margaretha, Prince Jean, was not in Washington D.C., his children and thus cousins of the groom Princess Marie-Gabrielle, Prince Constantin, Prince Wenceslas of Nassau and Prince Carl of Nassau were.

The groom's uncle Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, his wife Princess Sibilla and their youngest son Prince Jean were also among the guests.

From the other side of his family tree, Archduchess Marie-Hélène of Austria (née de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck), wife of Archduke Rudolf, who is the older brother of the groom's father, and her children Archduchess Priscilla, Archduke Franz-Ludwig and Archduke Michael were pictured.

Archduke Carl-Christian's sister Archduchess Alexandra of Austria and her husband Héctor Riesle Contreras came with their son Felipe Riesle de Habsbourg-Lorraine.

Archduke Simeon of Austria, who is a cousin of Archduke Carl-Christian, was also among the guests.

As were Archduke Simeon's sister Archduchess Maria-Anna of Austria, a married Princess Galitzine, and her children Princess Tatiana and Prince Ioann Galitzine.

Archduke Simeon's and Archduchess Maria-Anna's younger half-sister Archduchess Catharina-Maria, married Countess Secco di Aragona, was also in attendance.

Archduchess Maria-Beatrice of Austria (married Countess of Arco-Zinneberg), another cousin of Archduke Carl-Christian, and her daughter Countess Margherita of Arco-Zinneberg made their way to Washington D.C. with another few members of the Arco-Zinneberg family.

Prince Alois-Konstantin of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg, who is a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and his wife Princess Anastasia of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg (née Princess of Prussia) were among the guests.

From Portugal there were the Duke of Branganza and the Duchess of Braganza.

Other guests I could indentify were Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon, Princess Maria-Luisa of Bulgaria, Duchess Marie-Thérèse of Croy and Prince Carl-Philipp of Croy.

Further guests included Adélaïde Drapé-Frisch, fiancée of Archduke Christoph, and Claire Lademacher, girlfriend of Prince Félix.


Source: The accumulated knowledge of me and my fellow Luxaholics, thanks to the photos of Marlene A. Koenig from  Royal Musings.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Archduke Marries American

Today, Archduke Imre of Austria and his new wife née Kathleen Elizabeth Walker were married in a tridentine mass at the St. Mary Mother of God church in Washington D.C. This will just be a short event round-up to let you know, who of the immediate maternal family of the groom attended. But watch this space in the days to come as we will be having a first hand report of a fellow Luxaholic, who was at the wedding.

Of course Imre's parents Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, oldest child of Grand Duke Jean, and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria were present for the wedding of their oldest son. Imre's two brothers Archdukes Christoph and Alexander were his groomsmen, with his cousin Prince Félix also in for the job. Félix' longtime girlfriend and probable fiancée Claire Lademacher was also in attendance, as were his sister Princess Alexandra and brothers Princes Louis and Sébastien. Imre's sister Archduchess Gabriella was one of the bridesmaids; naturally, his older sister Archduchess Marie-Christine and husband Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Strirum were also at the wedding. The groom's uncle Prince Guillaume, his wife Princess Sibilla and one of their sons were also in Washington D.C. for the occassion, as was his aunt Princess Margaretha with her children Princess Marie-Astrid and Prince Josef. Imre's cousins Princes Constantin, Wenceslas and Carl and Princess Marie-Gabrielle, children of Prince Jean, were also in attendance. Adélaïde Drapé-Frisch, fiancée of Archduke Christoph, was also among the guests.

Sadly, the bride did not wear a tiara as she opted for a long-sleeved beautiful whitish dress, a pearl headband and what appears to be the same long white lace veil worn by the groom's sister, Archduchess Marie-Christine, at her wedding. Kathleen, better known as Katie, wore her hair up. The bridesmaids wore royal blue dresses with flowers in their hair, the flower girls mirrored that look by wearing white dresses with a satin blue sash, while the ring bearers wore all white. The groom and his groomsmen wore morning dress.

Kathleen arrived with her parents in a black car and was led to the altar by her father. The couple shared a kiss after they left the church and reportedly looked very happy. Together with the bridal party, the newly weds left the church to go to the reception at the St. Regis Regency Hotel in a Stretch Hummer.

The couple gave fans with crosses out as their wedding favours.

Archduke Imre and Archduchess Kathleen will be moving to the Belgian capital Brussels soon.

Venture over to Marlene Eilers Koenig's Royal Musings blog to sneak a peak of some of the guests and the bridal party.

Thanks a lot to Ambrosia for the first quick notes! I'm sure everyone's looking forward to your report in the days to come. So dear readers, make sure to check back in the upcoming days!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Tomorrow's Wedding

Archduke Imre of Austria, oldest son of Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, will marry his American fiancée, Kathleen Walker, in Washington D.C. tomorrow. It's the first Luxembourg related wedding this year. Imre's cousin Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will marry in October, while his brother Archduke Christoph will tie the knot in December.

The couple first met in October 2010 at a Missa Cantata in honour of Blessed Karl of Austria, Imre's great-grandfather. The Missa was held in the same church where they will marry. The archduke and the former communications director of the Arlington Diocesan Catholic Charities and well known pro-life activist announced their engagement in December of last year.

Together with a friend of Imre's, his brothers Archdukes Christoph and Alexander will act as groomsmen. Their younger sister Archduchess Gabriella will be one of the bridesmaids alongside two sisters of the bride and two friends. Another friend of Kathleen will be her maid of honour, while another sister will be the flower girl. Two brothers of the Archduchess-to-be will round up the wedding party as ring bearers.

Kathleen, more commenly known as Katie, is the oldest of several children of Robert S. and Margaret M. Walker. At the time of Katie's birth, her mother was single and unwed.



Source: Hanni at All Things Royal, Other

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

91 and Still Going Strong

Together with culture secretary Octavie Modert, Grand Duke Jean visited the "Musée Dräi Eechelen" also known as "Musée de la Forteresse de la Ville de Luxembourg", simply translated as Fortress of Luxembourg Museum. The museum was opened back in July and shows both exhibitions about the history of Luxembourg City and the historical fortress as well as the Luxembourgish identity. So it doesn't come as a surprise that Grand Duke Henri, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and fiancée Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy also had a look at the museum a few weeks ago before it was officially opened.

For a picture of Grand Duke Jean in front of the new museum, have a look at either RTL or Wort.


Sources: RTL, Wort

Summer Break Is Over

Seems like the Grand Ducal family is planning to end their summer vacation and take on their duties again:

On September 9th, Grand Duke Henri along with London-based Prince Louis and Princess Tessy will attend the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games in the British capital. Two days later the Grand Duke will revive a yearly tradition by receiving Luxembourg's best students at the palais. On the same day, he will attend an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Josy Barthel's gold medal run at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. His win in the 1500m race is to this date the only official Olympic gold medal for Luxemborg. (Another one was won by Michel Théato in the 1900 marathon race though it is officially credited to the French at it only became known a few years ago that Théato was in fact a Luxembourger.)


Source: Agenda of the Cour

Business Award 2012


An event sure to be lost in October's wedding fever is the 2012 Luxembourg American Chamber of Commerce Business Award. As you can imagine, The Hereditary Grand Duke will be on his honeymoon with the new Hereditary Grand Duchess and will not present the award this year. Prince Felix will lend his polished personality to the event in lieu of the crown princely couple. The biennial gala award will be held at the exquisite University Club in New York on Tuesday, October 30.

The recipient of the 2012 award is Airtech Advance Materials Group. Airtech is a family owned company that opened facilities in Luxembourg in 1991. The Luxembourg based branch of the company (Airtech Europe) has grown from 6 initial employees to 112. The company is a world leader in their field and remains committed to their growth in Luxembourg.

The establishment and growth of the Luxembourg based branch of Airtech could be used as a success story for the involvement of the Ministry of Economics in helping to establish, retain and grow business in the Grand Duchy.



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Where to Watch the Wedding Live

So, the bad news that France 2 will not be broadcasting the wedding (which has been confirmed by now), brought us some good news...

The Luxembourgish TV station RTL will film the wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy with 18 cameras and will broadcast live from 10am to 1pm. Usually, they have a live stream to their broadcast on their website.

For everyone in Belgium... RTL-TV1 will show the wedding live. Belgian RTBF is thinking about showing it. Experience tells me that live streams by RTL-TV1 are geo-blocked and thus not viewable outside of Belgium.

For everyone in Germany... ZDF has confirmed that they will broadcast the wedding live. They will decide in which form and for how long next week. If my memory serves me correctly, they also streamed the wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock on their website, though I am not sure whether it will be available outside of Germany.

Additionally, RTL is currently negotiating with some 12 international channels about the broadcasting rights.

Luxembourgish newspaper L'essentiel will also be offering a live stream on their website.


Sources: Wort, L'essentiel, PaperJam

Monday, September 3, 2012

France 2 Will Not Broadcast the Wedding * Updated With Good News

RTL reports that France 2 had decided not to broadcast the wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. Budget cutbacks are given as the reason for the decision.

*Update*

Maybe, just maybe the wedding will be broadcasted on France 2 after all. Apparently, there hasn't been anything communicated about a cancellation yet. Us Luxaholics are currently looking for confirmation or denial by Stéphane Bern, the go to guy for all things royal at France 2 and would have been reporter of the wedding.

But there came other good news our way: the wedding will in any case by shown online by Luxembourgish newspaper L'essentiel. Though I have never read a definite confirmation, I am  certain that Luxembourgish RTL will show the wedding. In Belgium the wedding will be broadcast on RTL-TV1 with Christian Cannuyer acting as commentator. At this point, a broadcast in Germany seems unlikely though not totally out of question. (In case you are German and want to see the wedding, sending a nice e-mail to the channels in question will definetely help the cause.)

Source: RTL, L'essentiel

Stéphanie Becomes Luxembourger

Not surprisingly, Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy will take Luxembourgish citizenship the day she marries the Hereditary Grand Duke thanks to a new law. Justice minister François Biltgen filed the bill in the Chamber of Deputies today. It simply reads, "naturalisation will be granted to Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy" and will come in effect the day she marries. Thus, she will not need to take the usual path to gaining citizenship like a test about her Luxembourgish knowledge or living in the country for seven years.

Prince Félix de Bourbon de Parme, Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium and Maria Teresa Mestre also received Luxembourg citizenship by decree due to their marriages.

Source: Tageblatt, Wort