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Foreign Representative |
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The Grand Duke is the highest representative of the Grand Duchy in international affairs. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke and King Juan Carlos during a state visit to Spain, May 2001 |
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In Luxembourg
As head of state, the Grand Duke receives the letters of credence of foreign ambassadors accredited to the Grand Duchy. He also signs the letters of credence of Luxembourg ambassadors abroad.
Upon the advice of the Government, the Grand Duke invites foreign heads of state to pay state visits to Luxembourg. During such visits, the Grand Duke acts as host on behalf of the nation, accommodating heads of state at the Grand-Ducal Palace and giving receptions in their honour. |
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In addition to formal state visits, foreign heads of state and government pay regular working visits to Luxembourg. Although the purpose of these visits is often to discuss political matters, usually with the Prime Minister, distinguished visitors will usually have an audience of the Grand Duke. As head of state, the Grand Duke has a conventional right to meet with other heads of state when they visit Luxembourg. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess with President Petar Stoyanov of Bulgaria and Mrs Stoyanova at the Grand-Ducal Palace in Luxembourg, March 2001 |
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Abroad
The Grand Duke represents Luxembourg internationally and he accepts invitations from foreign heads of state to make state visits abroad. These visits are intended to underline the strong diplomatic relationship between the host countries and the Grand Duchy. The Grand Duke is always accompanied on such occasions by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke and Duchess visit the National Gallery in Dublin during a state visit to Ireland, March 2002 |
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Aside from state visits, the Grand Duke makes numerous other visits to foreign countries. These may be at the invitation of foreign governments, or they may be to support Luxembourg abroad, for example at major sporting events. Usually, the Grand Duke is accompanied by the Grand Duchess on such visits. |
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Other Family Members
The Grand Duke is not alone in representing Luxembourg abroad. Other members of the grand-ducal family will often pay visits to foreign countries. On occasions when the Grand Duke is unable to attend a foreign event personally, he can nominate a member of his family to attend as his personal representative. |
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Photo: Princess Marie-Astrid lays a wreath at the Genocide Memorial in Nyamata during an official visit to Rwanda, May 2000 |
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Members of the Grand-Ducal Family also travel abroad on their own account. Such visits may have the purpose of promoting economic and trading links with other nations, or they may be intended to support charitable and development aid projects.
Since 1997, the Grand Duchess has been a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and has travelled abroad on its behalf.
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