Grand Duchess Charlotte (1896–1985): symbol of a united Luxembourg

Charlotte was the second of six daughters born to Grand Duke William of the House of Nassau and Princess Marie Anne of Portugal on 23 January 1896. As such, she was unlikely ever to become Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. When her father died in 1912, it was her older sister Marie-Adélaïde who succeeded him to the throne at the age of just 18.

This marked a new era for the Luxembourg dynasty, as Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde was the first reigning Grand Duchess and the first monarch to have been born in the country since the reign of the famous Count John the Blind (1296–1346).

Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde (1912-1919) / © Public domain

Just two years after Marie-Adélaïde became the first Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, the First World War broke out. During this time, the young monarch decided to stay in German-occupied Luxembourg – a move which would cost her the crown. Public opinion turned against her as many people believed she supported the German occupation. When Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde abdicated the throne on 14 January 1919, Luxembourg's monarchy teetered dangerously close to the brink.

Turning the ship around

Enter Grand Duchess Charlotte, Marie-Adélaïde's younger sister. She succeeded her sister to the throne on 15 January 1919. The heirs of the Russian Romanov dynasty were overthrown and murdered in that same year, and it was a perilous time for monarchies across Europe all around.

On 28 September 1919, the people of Luxembourg were asked to vote on the fate of Luxembourg's monarchy in a public referendum. Contrary to other European dynasties, Luxembourg's royal family had democracy on their side after an overwhelming majority of 80.34% voted in favour of having a constitutional monarchy in Luxembourg.

Grand Duchess Charlotte's hardest decision

The next major milestone in Grand Duchess Charlotte's reign came with the outbreak of the Second World War. She was faced with the same question her older sister Marie-Adélaïde had to face in 1914: Should she remain in Luxembourg or should she leave the country to avoid becoming a pawn of invading forces?

Heinrich Himmler visiting occupied Luxembourg several months after the invasion. / © Bundesarchiv, Bild 101III-Weill-061-25 / Weill

Mindful of the ramifications her sister had to face after her decision to stay in Luxembourg during the invasion, Grand Duchess Charlotte took the "difficult but necessary" decision to leave the country. On the eve of the invasion, the Grand Ducal family and part of the government fled to the south of France, before leaving for Portugal.

Charlotte soon realised that she would be better placed to help her country from England and she and her government resettled to London in 1940. She stood firm, stating: "My heart says yes, but my reasoning tells me not to." Unable to support Luxembourgers at home, she believed she could serve them better overseas.

From London, she made regular morale-boosting BBC broadcasts to her fellow Luxembourgers, who put themselves in great danger by listening to her voice. Despite potentially facing the firing squad for listening to the radio, Luxembourgers tuned in in great numbers and the Grand Duchess became not only the head of state, but also the 'consoler-in-chief' for many Luxembourgers.

One of several Luxembourg propaganda posters designed to rally international support behind the tiny Grand Duchy. / © Hennepin County Library

Continuing her mission to highlight Luxembourg's plight on the international stage, Grand Duchess Charlotte travelled to Canada and the US on a good will tour, in a bid to rally international support behind her small Grand Duchy. She formed a close bond with US President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. The president even addressed her as "Dear Lottie" in his letters, and they remained in regular contact until his death in 1945.

President Roosevelt promised the Grand Duchess that she'd soon be able to return to her country. Charlotte's hard work and dedication paid off when Luxembourg was finally liberated by the allied forces. The Grand Duchess' consort Prince Felix and her eldest son Jean drove into Luxembourg alongside American soldiers. The Grand Duchess arrived back in Luxembourg on 14 April 1945, an emotional day for the Grand Duchy.

After the war

Post-war, Grand Duchess Charlotte remained the symbol of a united Luxembourgish nation. In the 1950s and 1960s, she made numerous official visits abroad, enhancing Luxembourg's status on the international scene. State visits were no longer restricted to neighbouring countries but extended across the Atlantic. The beginnings of European integration also took place under her rule.

On 12 November 1964, after 45 years on the throne, Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated in favour of her eldest son Jean, retiring to Fischbach Castle.

Charlotte of Luxembourg and Prince Felix before her abdication, 11 November 1964. / © Jack de Nijs for Anefo / Public domain

Known for her artistic talents, passion for nature, and respect for the environment, Charlotte left a lasting legacy. She wrote poems in English, French, and German, painted, drew, and had a keen interest in music.

Charlotte's impact anchored the Grand Ducal family in the hearts of the nation. She passed away on 9 July 1985, at the age of 89, fifteen years after the death of her husband Prince Félix. She was interred in the Grand Ducal crypt of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Luxembourg City. Five years after her passing, a statue was erected in her honour on Place Clairefontaine.

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