After missing the funeral of Count Philippe de Lannoy, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa released a statement saying that nothing was amiss in her relationship with her daughter-in-law Princess Stéphanie.
According to a statement released by the Grand Ducal Court, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa missed the funeral because she had been “long engaged in an official event at the Institut de France” and was unable to join her husband and family for the ceremony.
The statement continued, “Very close to her daughter-in-law, she has constantly surrounded her with her thoughts and affection throughout the day.”
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa attended an award ceremony at the Stéphane Bern Foundation for History and Heritage, where she presented the History Award to Loris Chavanette. Brigitte Macron, the French First Lady, and the exiled Empress Farah of Iran were also in attendance.
Grand Duke Henri attended the funeral accompanied by his children, Prince Louis and Princess Alexandra; as did Queen Mathilde, who represented the Belgian Royal Family. King Philippe is a first cousin of Grand Duke Henri.
The funeral service took place in Frasnez-Lez-Anvaing, in Hainault, with the Hereditary Duchess surrounded by her husband and relatives of the Lannoy family.
Princess Stéphanie’s elder siblings include Count Jehan, Count Christian, Countess Nathalie, Countess Gaëlle, Count Amaury, Count Oliver and Countess Isabelle. She is the youngest of eight children born to Count Philippe and his late wife, Countess Alix.
Countess Alix passed away in 2012 at the age of 70 after suffering a stroke. She passed away two months before her daughter’s wedding to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume.
The Count de Lannoy passed away on 10 January at the age of 96.
