On 16 March, Grand Duke Henri addressed the people of Luxembourg in a short video message regarding the current coronavirus situation in the country.
Speaking in Luxembourgish, Grand Duke Henri said: “It is now the moment in which our national solidarity is called for, and I appeal to everyone to take the situation seriously and follow the measures and recommendations as well. We know that the virus that is currently paralysing the world can be very dangerous for vulnerable people. It is essential that we succeed in limiting the spread of coronavirus.”
Grand Duke Henri also said that it is everyone’s responsibility to help to slow the spread of the virus and that everyone should respect the basic hygiene rules and abide by the rules put in place by the government. About those rules, he said: “These are decisions that go a long way and have a huge impact on everyday life. These are decisions that are certainly not easy, but very important and right.” Grand Duke Henri also explained that the government and the health authorities are constantly evaluating the situation and that those measures could be adjusted if or when necessary.
The Grand Duke also expressed his respect to the people working on the frontline such as doctors, nurses and health workers: “It is a special effort required by our health and nursing staff and they are doing an outstanding job. I would also like to express my deepest respect to them today and thank them for their valuable work and endless work.”
Grand Duke Henri also talked about the solidarity shown by the people of Luxembourg in such a difficult and scary time, praising “the many initiatives that have spontaneously formed to help one another, and in particular to protect the more vulnerable people.”
The Grand Duke ended his address by saying that the Grand Ducal Family, as a whole, is “wholeheartedly with you to get through the difficult period.”
