Stéphanie Supports World Stroke Day Awareness

Photo: © Raymond Clement / Cour grand-ducale

On the 29th, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie attended a conference to recognize World Stroke Day, in conjunction with her patronage Blëtz. The conference, held at Château de Bettembourg, was entitled "I'm Not Me Anymore" and featured neuropsychologist Patricia Santos. Chantal Keller, the President of Blëtz, was also there, along with Mayor of Bettembourg Josée Lorsché. (Both are pictured above with the Hereditary Grand Duchess.)

Information from the Cour website. A few more photos from the Blëtz website.

Grand Duke Henri on Official Visit to Lithuania

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

From the 26th to the 27th, Grand Duke Henri is on an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania at the invitation of President Dalia Grybauskaite. After his arrival, the Grand Duke was given a tour of  the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (National Museum), with Director Vydas Dolinskas explaining the different exhibits.

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

The Grand Duke also visited the Old Town with Lithuania's Minister of Culture Alfredas Jomantas, and he stopped by the Vilnius Tech Park and met with CEO Darius Zakaitis and COO Ieva Dirvonskaite.

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

Today's events included a discussion about bilateral agreements on renewable energy in accordance with Directive 2009/28/EC. Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn accompanied the Grand Duke on his official visit to Lithuania.

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

Grand Duke Henri and President Grybauskaite gave brief statements to the press, and the Grand Duke also spoke at the opening of an economic seminar highlighting the "First Lithuania-Luxembourg Business Forum."

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

The Grand Duke laid a wreath to honor those who fought for Lithuania's independence. During the course of the visit the Grand Duke and President Grybauskaite will also meet with Luxembourg troops located in Lithuania as part of NATO exercises.

Photo: © SIP / Charles Caratini / Cour grand-ducale

More photos of the visit available at the Cour website.

Funeral and Royal Cremation of King Bhumibol of Thailand

Photo: Screenshot CiNNtv3

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume represented Luxembourg and Princess Margaretha Liechtenstein at the royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016, in Bangkok. Today was the second day of Thailand's elaborate five-day funeral for their late King who ruled the country for 70 years before dying at the age of 88 a year ago. The King's body was transported in a procession from the Grand Palace, where it was lying in state, to Sanam Luang, the site of the Royal Crematorium, which was built for the occasion. 

There are hours and hours of coverage of the elaborate and fascinating funeral rituals over on Youtube, the royals can be spotted in these ones here and here, for example.

Princess Sibilla in Spain

Photo: Bilbao Click

Princess Sibilla was in Spain last week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The wife of Prince Guillaume is the president of the advisory board of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. Both the museums in Spain and Italy are part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The 20th anniversary was celebrated with a dinner and a concert.

For more pictures and information, have a look here.

Grand Ducal Trio Attends Concert

Photo: EMA

Grand Duke Jean joined his son Grand Duke Henri and daughter-in-law Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for a concert by the Luxembourgish army orchestra. The concert marked 50th anniversary of the volontary army as well as the 175th anniversary of the Musique Militaire grand-ducale. The President of Parliament Mars di Bartolomeo, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Deputy Prime Minister Etienne Schneider were also in attendance.

Hereditary Prince Alois Receives Four Ambassadors

Photo: Hereditary Prince Alois with Mourad Bourehla (Tunisian Republic) /
llv.li

Last Friday, the 20th, Hereditary Prince Alois received in audience four new ambassadors at Schloss Vaduz. The ambassadors were as follows: Mourad Bourehla, from the Tunisian Republic; Fernando Jorge Castro Trenti, from the United Mexican States; Luis Enrique Chávez Basagoitia, from the Republic of Peru; and Norbert Riedel, from the Federal Republic of Germany.

Prior to the presentation of credentials at Schloss Vaduz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture, Aurelia Frick, paid a courtesy visit to the Government Building.

Information from here. Also, more photos available from the Liechtenstein government site.

Grand Duke Henri Receives Jean-Marc Sauvé

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / tous droits réservés

On the 23rd, Grand Duke Henri received in audience Jean-Marc Sauvé, the Vice President of the Conseil d’État of France. Sauvé, who is also the President of the Institut français des sciences administratives (IFSA), has held his role of Vice President of the Conseil d’État since 2006 and was on a visit to Luxembourg.

Information from the Cour website.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa Hands out Red Cross Medals

Photo: © Croix-Rouge / Studio Xantor / Cour grand-ducale

On the 21st, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa handed out medals of merit to around 400 blood donors. The Grand Duchess is the President of the Luxembourg Red Cross and was at the event in this capacity. Also present were Minister of Health Lydia Mutsch; Michel Simonis, Director General of the Luxembourg Red Cross; Dr. Paul Courrier, the current Doctor-Director of the Blood Transfusion Centre; and Dr. Philippe Renaudier, future Doctor-Director of the Blood Transfusion Center.

More photos from the Cour website.

Grand Duke Henri Supports Conservation in Finsterthal

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / tous droits réservés

On the 20th, Grand Duke Henri was in Finsterthal, in the central region of Luxembourg, to support conservation efforts by the the Commission for the Protection of Little Switzerland and the Sandstone Region. The visit included an examination of the area's historical and archeological importance, in addition to the discussion about environmental protection. Among the sites visited were ZH Fënsterdall Nature Reserve, the restoration project Helperich (which aims to protect the native Calluna), the barrow called "Bill" dating from the Gallo-Roman era, and adjacent Helperknapp (where a chapel sits on the site of an ancient spring).

More photos from the Cour website.

Alois Welcomes Diplomats from EU Member States

Photo: Radio Liechtenstein / radio.li

On the 18th, Hereditary Grand Duke Alois held a reception for diplomats from the EU Member States, who were on a visit to Liechtenstein. Prior to the reception, the visitors were able to explore a variety of cultural, economic, and political sites within the Principality and also meet with a number of leading figures: these included Klaus Risch, the President of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce (LIHK); Albert Frick, the President of the Landtag; Hans-Werner Gassner, the President of the Liechtenstein Banking Federation (LBV); and Kerstin Appel, Director of the Kunstmuseum.

The EU Member States diplomats are part of the EU Council. In October of 2016, the EU Council formally reviewed the bilateral relations between Liechtenstein the EU and determined a state of positivity. In return, Liechtenstein was praised for its commitment the EU goals and was described as a "close and reliable partner."

A little more from Radio Liechtenstein.

Grand Duke Visits Archaeological Site

Photo: Ministry of Culture

Already a few days ago and kinda missed by us due to all the latest news, Grand Duke Henri visited the Centre of Study of Roman Murals (CEPRM) in Soissons alongside the Secretary of State for Culture, Guy Arendt. The CEPMR has been put in charge of the restoration of the remaining painted coatings and stuccos which were discovered on the Gallo-Roman archaeological site in the Luxembourgish town of Schieren. 

The cour has more pictures of the event, Chronicle offers way more information.

Grand Duke Meets New Ambassadors

Photo: Cour grand-ducale

Earlier today, Grand Duke Henri met five new ambassadors to Luxembourg who presented their letters of credence to the Grand Duchy's head of state. The Grand Duke received in audience Mohamed Taha Mustafa of Yemen, Dato’ Hasnudin Bin Hamzah of Malaysia, José Alberto Briz Gutierrez of Guatemala, Jasem Albudaiwi of Kuwait, and Kaili Terrass of Estonia.

Pictures of all of them at the cour.

Guillaume and Stéphanie Visit Madrid Museum

Photo: Julia Robles

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie continued their stay in Madrid with a visit to the Fundación Carlos de Amberes in the heart of Salamanca. It was founded when Carlos de Amberes, a native of Antwerp, donated his goods in 1594 to create a hostel. It has since become a museum that promotes the cultural ties between Spain and the Benelux countries, one of which is, of course, the Grand Duchy. 

The cour offers both more pictures and a little more information.

Grand Duchess Attends Anti-Poverty Exhibit

Cour grand-Ducale/Olivier Minaire

The Grand Duchess accompanied by the President of the Chamber of Deputies and the Minster of Family attended the exhibit "A New Humanity Without Misery Will Be Born". The exhibit was organized to mark the 30th anniversary of the World Rejection of Misery Day which coincides with the 25th anniversary of when the United Nation's also recognized this day as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

In Luxembourg, the event and celebration also, not coincidentally, marks the culmination of the international campaign "Stop Poverty: Acting for Dignity", of which the Grand Duchess is patroness. The campaign is sponsored by ATD Fourth World Luxembourg.

Guillaume and Stéphanie Attend Award Ceremony in Spain

Photo: © Julia Robles

On the 17th, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie were in Madrid to attend the awarding of the 23rd Prix Marquis de Villalobar. This award, which was created in 1987, recognizes individuals or companies that foster positive connections between Spain and other European nations (specifically Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in this case). The Prix Marquis de Villalobar for this year was presented by the Belgo-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Spain to Luxair; Adrian Ney, the Director General of Luxair, was on hand to receive the award at the gala event.

The award was developed by Carlos Saavedra y Ozores, the Marquis de Villalobar, as a way of recognizing social, cultural, and economic ties between nations and focused toward a more united Europe. 

More photos and information at the Cour website.

Henri Receives Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / tous droits réservés

On the 18th, Grand Duke Henri received in audience Edgars Rinkēvičs, who has held the position of  Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Latvia since 2011. Mr. Rinkēvičs is currently on a working visit to Luxembourg. He has also documented the visit, including a meeting with his Luxembourg counterpart Jean Asselborn, on his Twitter account.

Information from the Cour website.

Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation Receives Award

BMLFUW

Prince Constantin received Austria's National Award for Exemplary Forest Management 2017 and the first ever State Prize for Best Climate Forest Management (Staatspreis für beispielhafte Waldbewirtschaftung) on behalf of the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation. The national prize is given annually by the Ministry of Environment.

The Foundation cultivates 3,150 hectares of forest in the region. The Hohenau areas were acquired in 1457. One of the reasons for the award was the Foundation's strong commitment to nature conservation. Additionally, the forest contains a "remarkable" distribution of deciduous tree species with just 11 percent of the forest being coniferous. The forest also has a well managed an important set of flood planes.

HGD in NYC

Visit of @Talkwalker in #nyc - a true success story born in #Luxembourg pic.twitter.com/hcFAZa1Nw5

— Pierre Gramegna (@pierregramegna) October 16, 2017

After Washington D.C., Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna (and presumably an accompanying delegation) also visited New York City this week. Unfortunately details about their adventures in the Big Apple are a bit scarce though Minister Gramegna's Twitter tells us that they visited the insurance company AIG, Talkwalker and the New York Green Bank.

Grand Duke Visits Mansfeld Park

Photo: Cour grand-ducale

Earlier today, Grand Duke Henri visited the Mansfeld Park in Clausen alongside Luxembourg mayor Lydie Polfer, architect and head of Luxembourg city's urban planning department Shaaf Milani-Nia and Jean-Luc Mousset, president of the Friends of the Château de Mansfeld. The new Parc Mansfeld in Clausen officially opened on the evening of July 11. The occasion also marked the 500th anniversary of Count Pierre-Ernest de Mansfeld, former owner of what was once one of the most renowned estates in the Benelux, and now a park.

Another photo at the cour.

Grand Duke Expresses Condolences to Portuguese People

The Grand Duke has sent a letter of condolences to the President of Portugal to express his sadness about the current wildfires sweeping the north of the country which claimed several lives. The letter reads:

It is with great emotion that The Grand Duchess and I have learned of the news of the deadly wildfires which once again ravaged Portugal.

We express our profound sympathy and compassion to all those affected by the cruel tragedy. The people of Luxembourg stand with the in solidarity with the people of Portugal in this ordeal.

From UAE To USA: Guillaume in Washington

Photo: Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Washington, D.C.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume probably went straight from the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America: Over the past few days he visited Washington. In the U.S. capital the Hereditary Grand Duke, alongside Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna, participated in the annual meeting of the Fonds monétaire international (FMI) and the World Bank. In addition to several other meetings, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume also visited the Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath of flowers to remember American soldiers who died fighting for Luxembourg's freedom. In the coming days, Guillaume will visit New York City.

Wort has a few more visuals.

Princess Claire Honors World Day for Organ Transplant

Photo: Editpress/ Alain Rischard / L'essentiel

On the 15th, Princess Claire attended Marathon Indoor Cycling, in connection with her patronage Luxembourg Transplant. The event was held to raise awareness for the World Day for Organ Transplant and also encourage further organ donations in Luxembourg. For the fundraising challenge, participants cycled from 10 in the morning to around 6:30 in the evening. Since 2016, the number of organ donations has increased in Luxembourg, although Luxembourg Transplant would like to see that number continue to rise.

Princess Claire's doctoral thesis focused on the topic of organ donation.

A little more, with a few more photos, from L'essentiel.

Grand Duke Henri Attends Home & Living Expo

Photo: Steve Eastwood / Luxemburger Wort / wort.lu

On the 14th, Grand Duke Henri was in Kirchberg to attend the Home & Living Expo 2017, as part of Semaine Nationale du Logement (National Housing Week). The event runs from October 14-22 and features a range of innovations and design options for homes. The Home & Living Expo occurs annually and is sponsored by LUXEXPO THE BOX, along with the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts and the Fédération Luxembourgeoise de l'Ameublement.

More photos at Wort.

Maria Teresa Attends "Micro-Entrepreneur Days"

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / Claude Piscitelli / tous droits réservés

On the 13th, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa participated in "Micro-Entrepreneur Days," held at the Chambre des Métiers, in connection with the Fondation du Grand-Duc et de la Grande-Duchesse. The Minister of Labor and Social Economy and Solidarity, Nicolas Schmit, was also in attendance.

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / Claude Piscitelli / tous droits réservés

The event recognizes micro-financing opportunities for entrepreneurs, as well as initiatives that explore social inclusion and promote ways to reach the most vulnerable members of society. "Micro-Entrepreneur Days" was organized by the Fondation des Universitaires en Sciences Economiques (FUSE).

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / Claude Piscitelli / tous droits réservés

The Grand Duchess also gave a speech at the event, during which she encouraged attendees to "dare to undertake" and "unleash the creativity and potential of hundreds of men and women in Luxembourg."

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / Claude Piscitelli / tous droits réservés

The "Micro-Entrepreneur Days" are held on October 13-14, with over 120 participants.

(A Slightly Belated) Fashion Friday : September 30th - October 13th

We're back for a new Fashion Friday edition! Unfortunately, this one will be short because the last two weeks weren't very productive in terms of Lux Fashion but I still have some IDs for you !

On October 4th, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie attended the watching of a documentary about Clerveaux Castle. Stephanie wore an old jacket with a new burgundy Sophie Habsburg clutch. She owns the same model in nude.

Photo: ©Nico Patz

Photo: Sophie Habsburg

On October 7th, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie attended the opening of exhibitions at MUDAM. She wore a new white lace top by Boden (found on VK.com).

Photo: © Mudam / Marion Dessard

Photo: Boden

On October 8th, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, Prince Louis and Princess Alexandra went to vote in Luxembourg's municipal elections. Princess Alexandra wore a Ralph Lauren jacket , however I don't have any info on Stephanie's outfit.

Photo: © Cour grand-ducale / Christophe Olinger

Photo: Ralph Lauren

On October 10th, the Grand-Duchess Maria Teresa and Prince Louis received the founders of La Chaîne de l'Espoir. Maria Teresa wore a new Max Mara dress.

Photo: ©Cour grand-ducale / Tous droits réservés

Photo: Max Mara

The same day, Prince Félix and Princess Claire were in Frankfurt to visit the Frankfurt Book Fair. Claire wore a new Tara Jarmon outfit with her favorite Aquazzura shoes.

Photo: © Ministère de la Culture

Photo: Tara Jarmon

Photo: Tara Jarmon

Photo: Tara Jarmon

Photo: Aquazzura

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie started their economic mission in the Emirates. Stephanie wore an old outfit , previously worn during one of their visits to the Emirates before. Sarah, from UfoNoMore, thinks the skirt could be from Issa , but there's no way to be sure. However, her clutch is old and from Yves Saint Laurent! 

Photo: ©SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

Photo : lyst

Photo: fashionphile.com

On October 11th, for their second day in the Emirates, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie wore a new dress with old shoes first worn at the Closing of the Octave celebrations earlier this year and her Sergio Rossi clutch.

Photo: ©SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

Photo: Sergio Rossi

On October 12th, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie wore a blue jacket (she also owns it in teal but I have no info on it) with black pants and her grey Chanel bag on their third and last day in the Emirates.

Photo: ©SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

Photo: Chanel

The same day , the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa attended the 40th anniversary celebration of European Court of Auditors. Maria Teresa wore a new coat by Weill (thanks to our reader Avery!).

Photo: © Cour des comptes européenne

Photo: Weill

They also held an audience for the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. Maria Teresa wore another outfit (maybe from Yves Dooms?)

Photo:Cour grand-ducale

What did you think of these outfits ? Don't hesitate to share you own finds if you have some!