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.
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.
