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Luxembourg

New photos released to mark Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg’s 42nd wedding anniversary

Three new images have been released by the Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg to mark the 42nd wedding anniversary of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

The photos were taken by court photographer, Sophie Margue. Two images feature the royals in gala wear, while the other photograph shows them in more relaxed clothing.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

Hereditary Grand Duke Henri married Cuban-born Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista in a civil ceremony at the Grand Ducal Palace on 14 February 1981 before heading to the church for a religious ceremony. They said their vows at Notre Dame Cathedral with their families, foreign royals and government officials in the cathedral while thousands of others watched on television or in the streets.

The couple did not choose Valentine’s Day on purpose as they did not realise they had chosen their wedding to be on the romantic holiday; Valentine’s Day was not widely celebrated in Luxembourg at the time.

After the ceremony, the newly married couple walked out into the cold under swords held by the Luxembourgish Army. They then travelled to the Grand Ducal Palace, where they appeared on the balcony with their parents. Maria Teresa blew kisses to the crowd, and the couple shared a kiss on the terrace before the people.

A reception for around 700 people followed in the palace.

The couple now have five children: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sébastien.

They also have five grandchildren: Prince Charles from Guillaume’s marriage to Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie; Princes Gabriel and Noah from Louis’s marriage to Tessy Antony de Nassau; and Princess Amalia and Prince Liam from Prince Félix’s marriage to Princess Claire.

A sixth grandchild is expected this spring when Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie gives birth to her and Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume’s second child.

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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.