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Luxembourg

Grand Ducal Family attends Mass to commemorate Grand Duke Jean six weeks after his death

On Saturday, members of the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg attended a special Mass to commemorate the late Grand Duke Jean who died on 23 April.

The traditional Roman Catholic Mass took place at Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg – six weeks after his passing. This marked the end of the official mourning period for the Grand Ducal Family.

© Grand Ducal Court / Sophie Margue

In attendance were Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Marie Astrid of Luxembourg, and Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (born a Princess of Luxembourg).

The Grand Ducal Court released five images from the Mass, as the press was not permitted inside for the service.

© Grand Ducal Court / Sophie Margue
© Grand Ducal Court / Sophie Margue

The former reigning Grand Duke died on 23 April with his family at his bedside. He had recently been admitted to hospital suffering from a pulmonary infection.

It was said at the time that he was admitted for observation, however, on Easter Sunday a further statement was released saying that the former monarch’s health had severely worsened.

© Grand Ducal Court / Sophie Margue

Grand Duke Jean was a beloved member of the Grand Ducal Family and was known for his gentle nature and warmth.

Grand Duke Jean’s body lain in state from 29 April through the 3 May at the Grand Ducal Palace for the people to pay their respects. A condolence book was also available to sign there and at Château de Berg and Château de Fischbach.

His funeral took place on 4 May with the Grand Ducal Family and an array of foreign royals in attendance. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess invited the public to the funeral Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral, and once registration opened, the tickets for the seats were sold out within minutes.

Grand Duke Jean, a beloved and influential figure in his country and around the world, was 98.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.