The initiative was revealed by Michael-James Clifton, Council Member of the British-Luxembourg Society (BLS), during the organisation’s annual general meeting. He expressed gratitude for the current Grand Duke’s approval, emphasising that the award serves as a tribute to Grand Duke Jean’s enduring role in fostering British-Luxembourgish relations.
“His Royal Highness the Grand Duke’s approval and consent to name the award after his father is a singular honour. We hope that the Award in honour and memory of H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean will maximise its recognition and strengthen British-Luxembourgish ties long into the future,” Clifton stated.
The application process for the H.R.H. Grand Duke Jean Award is set to open this spring, with further details to be released online soon.
Grand Duke Jean maintained a lifelong connection to the United Kingdom that began with his secondary schooling at Ampleforth College, Yorkshire (the Catholic Eton), and the renowned military academy at Sandhurst. He later volunteered to serve in the Irish Guards during the Second World War as an officer – later being made colonel in 1984. In 1995, her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointed Grand Duke Jean as an honorary general of the British Army.
The British-Luxembourg Society (BLS) is a non-profit organisation committed to strengthening cultural, educational, and business connections between the United Kingdom and Luxembourg. By organising events, lectures, and now the newly introduced award programme, the BLS seeks to promote understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
Read also:
Tribute to Grand Duke Jean’s army days
Grand Duke Jean (1921–2019): a military man and dutiful statesman
The life of Grand Duke Jean, summarised in one image
