Grand Duke Jean

Grand Duke Jean was born in 1921. He was the eldest son of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix of Bourbon-Parma.

Most of his childhood was spent at Berg Castle. He attended primary and secondary school in Luxembourg and completed his studies in Great Britain from 1934 to 1938. So he spoke perfect English. During the war, he joined the British Army, the Irish Guards, with whom he landed in Normandy. With his father, he had an important position in the Liberation of Luxembourg, where he was welcomed as a hero.

On 9 April 1953, he married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium. Together they had five children, including Prince Henri (1955). Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte were always very keen on contact with the people. In addition to his duties as Head of State, Jean was passionate about sport, becoming a member and then Honorary President of the Luxembourg Olympic and Sports Committee and Honorary Dean of the International Olympic Committee.

He was also a great supporter of the Scouts, with whom he maintained links for over 80 years. He abdicated in 2000 in favour of his son Henri, but remained very active.

He died on 29 April 2019, aged 98. All Luxembourgers mourned and he was given a state funeral. During his 36-year reign, the Grand Duchy experienced extraordinary economic and political growth. Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte confirmed the vital contribution made by the dynasty to the unity and stability of Luxembourg.