British State Visit to Luxembourg

Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of Luxembourg hosted the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on their first and only State Visit to Luxembourg on this day in 1976, 50 years ago, which followed the Luxembourg State Visit to Britain in 1972.

Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte of Luxembourg received the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at Findel Airport, followed by an Official Welcome at the Grand Ducal Palace, as well as a Reception at the City Hall.

In the evening, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte held a State Banquet in honour of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at the Palais Grand Ducal. Hereditary Grand Duke Henri, Princess Marie Astrid, Princess Margretha, and Prince Jean were also present.

The Queen was wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, King George VI Festoon Necklace, Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings, and the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau

Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte wore the Emerald Peacock Tiara, Congo Diamond Necklace Tiara, Queen Astrid’s Emerald Earrings and Princess Ingeborg’s Emerald Brooch with the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau

Princess Marie Astrid was wearing the Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara

Princess Margretha wore the Citrine and Pearl Tiara

Other events included a visit to the Fortress walls overlooking Luxembourg City, visits to the towns of Esch-sur-Alzette and Echternach, and a tour of the steel works at Arbed-Differdange. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also went on a walk with the Grand Ducal Family at Berg Castle, where they stayed for the duration of the State Visit.

On the final evening, the Queen and Duke hosted a Return Banquet for Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte as well as their children. The Sword Dancers of the Black Watch gave a performance.