© Maison du Grand-Duc / Emanuele Scorcelletti
On Friday, Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Maria Terese marks her 68th birthday.
Maria Teresa Mestre was born on 22 March 1956 in Havana, Cuba. She later pursued studies in political science in Switzerland, where she crossed paths with the then Prince Henri of Luxembourg, as both of them took the same courses.
Following their studies, the couple announced their engagement and exchanged vows on Valentine's Day in 1981. The couple have five children and seven grandchildren to date, with the imminent arrival of Princess Alexandra's child expected in April.
Beyond her royal duties, the Grand Duchess is deeply committed to various causes, notably advocating against violence targeting women in war-torn regions. Since 1997, she has served as an ambassador to UNESCO and was named as an Eminent Advocate for Children by UNICEF in 2007.
In addition to her philanthropic work, the Grand Duchess finds joy in pursuits such as floral decoration, art, architecture, and culture.
