Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Maria Teresa shares rare photo after family tragedy
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg has shared a social media post to celebrate her grandson Gabriel's 19th birthday on March 12.
The European royal rarely shares personal photos, but made an exception for this happy occasion.
Her post comes after the death of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau's youngest son Prince Frederik at the age of 22 from POLG Mitochondrial disease.
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The post, shared on Instagram, shows Grand Duchess Marie Teresa, 68, standing alongside her grandson Gabriel in front of a stone archway.
The tall young man towers over his grandmother.
She captioned the post: "Très bel anniversaire à notre cher Gabriel," which translates into English as "Wishing our dear Gabriel a very happy birthday."
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The European royal rarely shares personal photos but made an exception for this happy occasion. Getty
Royal fans were quicky to offer their own sentiments.
"Happy Birthday Gabriel. May the almighty bless you!" Middle Eastern royal Princess Malika commented.
"Happy birthday to Prince Gabriel," said Prince Emmanuel of Belgium.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have five children and eight grandchildren.
The couple's third child, Prince Louis - shares two sons with his former wife, Tessy Antony de Nassau – Prince Gabriel and Prince Noah, 17.
Princesse Alexandra, Prince Louis and Prince Gabriel in 2022. Getty
Henri's heir and future Grand Duke, Guillaume has two sons, Prince Charles, four, and one-year-old Prince François with his wife, Princess Stephanie.
Princess Alexandra shares Victoire with her husband Nicolas Bagory.
Prince Felix shares three children with his wife Claire Lademacher: Princess Amalia, Prince Liam and Prince Balthazar.
Gabriel announced he would be taking a gap year in New Zealand on his 18th birthday, before heading to university.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have five children and eight grandchildren. Getty
Grand Duke Henri, 69, announced he would abdicate from the throne on 3 October in favour of his son, Prince Guillaume.
Henri will have reigned for 25 years when he steps down, having succeeded his father, Grand Duke Jean, on 7 October 2000.
Guillaume, 43, was made Lieutenant-Représentant in October 2024 and has been preparing for his future role.
Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his wife. Getty
In his speech, Henri said of his son and daughter-in-law: "I know that they will do their utmost to contribute to the well-being of our country."
He continued: "It has been a period during which Luxembourg has made much progress, and I am pleased to have been able to be part of that journey with you, together with the Grand Duchess.
Grand Duke Henri announced he would abdicate from the throne on 3 October for his son Prince Guillaume. Getty
"It has been a quarter of a century of challenges, opportunities and hopes for a better future: of technological and economic progress, of social change, but also of many conflicts.
"All were moments that have made us reflect and brought us closer together as a nation. And we have remained united to make Luxembourg even more inviting and sustainable."
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