Grand Duke Henri Makes One of His Last Appearances as Luxembourg's Leader at Papal Inauguration
Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa attended the papal inauguration in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday.
The Grand Duchess wore a white eyelet maxi dress cinched with a ribbon belt, pearl drop earrings, and nude pumps with a pearl-embellished clutch. Traditionally, only Catholic queens are permitted to wear white to the papal inauguration, and as Luxembourg is a ducal state, the grand duchess is extended this privilege as well.
Henri shared a message to Instagram just hours after Pope Leo was elected on May 8, writing: 'The Grand Duchess and I wish to extend our warmest congratulations on your election to the Sovereign Pontificate. Your accession to the head of the Catholic Church represents a moment of hope for millions of faithful around the world. I express my hope that your pontificate will be marked by peace, dialogue among peoples, and universal fraternity. Rest assured, Most Holy Father, of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg's commitment to continuing its ties of friendship and cooperation with the Holy See.'
The message was accompanied by a photo of Grand Duke Henri next to Pope Francis and Grand Duchess Maria Theresa, greeting then Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo. Pope Francis met with the Luxembourg royals, also Roman Catholics, during a state visit to Luxembourg and Belgium in 2024. The royal couple were present at Pope Francis's funeral in April.
The papal inauguration will mark one of the final international events for the grand duke and duchess as heads of state. Grand Duke Henri, who like Pope Leo was born in 1955, announced in April 2024 that he intends to abdicate the Luxembourger throne and step down in favor of his son, Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. During his Christmas address in December, he specified that he will retire on October 3, 2025.
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