On August 15, 2019, the House of Luxembourg celebrated a significant milestone as its head, Grand Duke Henri, turned 70. This remarkable achievement marks a remarkable journey of dedication and service to the nation. As the reigning monarch of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri has been a steadfast figure, embodying the values of his country and upholding its traditions.
Throughout his reign, Grand Duke Henri has been instrumental in promoting Luxembourg’s interests and fostering international cooperation. His commitment to the welfare of his people has been unwavering, and his leadership has been marked by a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. As he enters this new chapter in his life, the people of Luxembourg and the world at large look forward to continuing to benefit from his wisdom and guidance.
what are some key milestones in the life of the head of the house of Windsor
- April 21, 1926: Born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in Mayfair, London, the first child of the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, later called the Queen Mother.
- Dec. 10, 1936: Elizabeth becomes heir-apparent to the throne after her uncle King Edward VIII abdicates and her father becomes king.
- Oct. 13, 1940: Elizabeth makes her first public speech at age 14 on the BBC Children’s Hour to reassure children who had been separated from their parents during the Blitz.
- 1945: Elizabeth is made a Subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, serving for Britain during World War II.
- Nov. 20, 1947: Elizabeth marries Prince Philip Mountbatten of Greece and Denmark at Westminster Abbey.
- Feb. 6, 1952: Elizabeth becomes queen upon the death of her father George VI.
- June 2, 1953: Crowned in a grand coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. She sets out on a tour of the Commonwealth, visiting places including Bermuda, Fiji, Tonga, Australia, and Gibraltar.
- 1977: Elizabeth celebrates her Silver Jubilee, which marks 25 years on the throne.
- 1992: Elizabeth has what she describes as an “annus horribilis,” or a “horrible year.” The year sees marriages for three of her four children end. Also that year, a fire damages Windsor Castle. Public outcry over the cost of repairs amid a recession prompts the queen to volunteer to pay income taxes.
- Aug. 31, 1997: Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris. Under public pressure to demonstrate her grief, Elizabeth makes an unprecedented television broadcast in tribute to Diana’s memory.
- 2002: Elizabeth marks 50 years of reign with her Golden Jubilee. The year also sees the deaths of Elizabeth’s mother and her sister, Margaret.
- Dec. 20, 2007: Elizabeth becomes the longest-living British monarch, overtaking Victoria.
- May 2011: Elizabeth makes a historic visit to Ireland — the first visit by a British monarch since Irish independence.
- 2012: Elizabeth marks 60 years of her reign with a Diamond Jubilee.
- Sept. 9, 2015: Elizabeth surpasses Queen Victoria and becomes the longest-serving monarch in British history.
- Feb. 6, 2017: Elizabeth becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne.
- March 2020: Elizabeth and Philip move from Buckingham Palace in London to Windsor Castle at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
- April 9, 2021: Prince Philip, Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years, dies at age 99.
- Feb. 6, 2022: Elizabeth becomes the first British monarch to reach a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as sovereign.
- Sept. 8, 2022: Elizabeth dies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96. Her eldest son becomes King Charles III.