“The Grand Duchess and I have been deeply moved and saddened when we learned of the passing of Your dear mother, Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen took a considerable part in shaping the history of the United Kingdom as its longest serving monarch. We profoundly admired Her moral strength and determination. She was an exemplary monarch, most loved and respected all over the world,” Grand Duke Henri writes.
“Luxembourg has never forgotten the extraordinary support the United Kingdom gave to the Grand Duchess Charlotte and her son, my father Jean, during World War 2. Their safe haven in London helped to preserve the very existence of my country in these dark times.
“We are grateful for the close ties of our families and Her Majesty’s extraordinary and unique example of service to the country and people,” he adds, concluding his letter with: “The people of Luxembourg join us in expressing to You and to the Royal Family, as well as to the people of the United Kingdom, our most heartfelt condolences and warmest sympathies.”
In November 1976, the monarch visited the grand duchy on a state visit, meeting with Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte. At the time, she visited industrial sites in Luxembourg.
In 2019, Luxembourg prime minister Xavier Bettel met with the Queen in Portsmouth for the 75th anniversary celebration of D-Day.
The Queen on 8 September passed away peacefully in her residence in Balmoral, Scotland, as the British palace announced in the evening. Luxembourg’s grand ducal court sent out a message addressed to the British royal family.
Flags were lowered in front of Luxembourg’s parliament on 9 September. Matic Zorman / Maison Moderne
British embassy to Luxembourg opens book of condolences
The British embassy has given access to a book of condolences for citizens to express their thoughts to the royal family and a designated place to leave floral tributes is available at the embassy (5 boulevard Joseph II).
“The condolence book will be open between 9am and 1pm on Friday 9 September and over this weekend, and then every working day up to and including the day of the funeral,” the embassy told Delano. Those wishing to pay condolences online, can do so at .
The embassy will not issue an official statement, a spokesperson told Delano, however, ambassador Fleur Thomas shared in a tweet that she is “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen”, thanking, in another tweet, Bettel for his message.
The Anglican Church in Luxembourg has announced it would organised a service in honour of the Queen. It says: “A Service of Reflection to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, with readings, prayers, and hymns.”
The service will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 9 September at the Anglican Church of Luxembourg, Konvikt Chapel, 5 Avenue Marie-Therèse, Luxembourg-ville. The church will be open for private prayer and to light a candle from 5.30pm.
World leaders honour memory of British monarch
Prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) was quick to about the news of Elizabeth II’s passing, and sent out an official statement on 9 September.
“Her Majesty's reign has been marked as much by historic challenges as it has been marked by Her natural ability to navigate and manage those challenges with steadfast leadership and unique grace,” Bettel says, lauding the monarch for her “unwavering commitment to stability and peace and a boundless devotion to her people.”
Luxembourg’s chamber of deputies has also lowered its flags.
Other actors in the Luxembourg and international political scene sent out messages too.