Luxembourg's long-time Head of State, Grand Duke Jean, died at the age of 98. With "great sadness" he must announce the death of his father, said the incumbent Grand Duke Henri. The 98-year-old had died "in peace and surrounded by the love of his family". The funeral is scheduled to take place on 4 May in the Cathedral of Luxembourg.
Jean had also enjoyed a reputation among the Luxemburgers for his involvement in the fight against the Nazis during the Second World War. In 2000, he thanked in favor of his son. Previously, he was the head of state of the 600,000-inhabitant country from 1964 to 36 years.
Jean was last public in late March at an event organized by his daughter-in-law Maria Teresa on sexual violence in conflict areas. In mid-April, he was hospitalized for pneumonia. Over the Easter weekend, his condition worsened.
Served in the British Army
EU Commission President and Luxembourg's ex-Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker paid tribute to the deceased monarch, who was considered modest and friendly. His death was "a great loss for the Grand Duchy and for Europe," Juncker wrote on Twitter.
Jean of Luxembourg was born on 5 January 1921, the son of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma. After studying in Luxembourg and the UK, he volunteered in 1942 for service in the British army. As a member of the Irish Guard he participated in June 1944 in the landing of the Allies in Normandy. In 1964 he joined the throne after the abdication of his mother.
In 1953 Jean married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium, sister of the former kings Baudouin and Albert II. She died in January 2005. The couple had four other children besides Henri: Marie-Astrid, Jean, Margaretha and Guillaume.