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Luxembourg

A royal family celebration in Luxembourg as Prince Francois is christened

The youngest member of the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg has taken centre stage at a special celebration.

Prince Francois, second child of the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess and third in line to the throne, was baptised on a sunny afternoon with his family around him.

Prince Francois in the arms of his mother, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, during his christening (© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue)

The baby prince was christened at Fischbach Church on June 3rd 2023. He slept through some of the service, held in his mother’s arms.

Prince Francois is christened (© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue)

His paternal aunt, Princess Alexandra, was his godmother while his maternal uncle, Count Christian de Lannoy, was his godfather.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

The Archbishop of Luxembourg, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, christened the prince.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa held her newest grandchild for the formal photos afterwards, with Grand Duke Henri at her side.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Among those present were Prince Felix and Princess Claire and their children, Princess Amalia and Prince Liam. It was also a first family celebration for Nicolas Bagory who married Princess Alexandra in April 2023.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Prince Sebastien, who earlier this week attended the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan, was not present but Prince Louis and his two sons, Prince Noah and Prince Gabriel were there.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Members of Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie’s family also joined the celebration.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Francois Henri Luis Marie Guillaume was born on March 27th 2023 at the Grand-Duchess Charlotte Maternity Hospital in Luxembourg. The second child of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, he is third in line to the throne behind his father and his older brother, Prince Charles, who has just turned three.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

On the same day as the christening, the Grand Ducal family released a new portrait of the baby prince with his brother and his parents.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.