Luxembourg’s Grand Duke has expressed his deep sadness at the death of his aunt, Princess Marie-Gabrielle.
The princess, who was 97, died on February 10th 2023.
Princess Marie-Gabrielle was the last surviving child of Grand Duchess Charlotte, who ruled Luxembourg between 1919 and 1964. She was the sister of Grand Duke Jean who reigned between 1964 and 2000.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Marie Teresa said, in a short statement, that they were deeply saddened at the news of Princess Marie-Gabrielle’s death.
Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
Marie-Gabrielle Aldegunde Wilhelmine Louise was born on August 2nd 1925 at Berg Castle in Luxembourg. She was the fourth child and third daughter of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and her husband, Prince Felix.
Charlotte had become ruler of Luxembourg six years earlier in difficult circumstances, inheriting the Grand Ducal throne from her own sister, Marie-Adelaide, who had been forced to abdicate in January 1919 after her apparent support of German occupying forces in World War One.
World War Two would lead to another occupation and Marie-Gabrielle, along with her three sisters and two brothers, fled Luxembourg with their parents, settling first in Portugal and then in Canada before moving to the United Kingdom. There, Marie-Gabrielle volunteered at the British Red Cross.
On her return to Luxembourg following the war, Marie-Gabrielle studied art and in particular sculpture.
The princess married Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1951 and the couple had seven daughters together.
