July 15, 1940
The State Department said today that seven members of the Luxembourg Royal Family were on their way to the United States, according to the Associated Press. Prince Felix, the husband of Grand Duchess Charlotte, and their six children, along with members of their household, are on board the cruiser Trenton.
Grand Duchess Charlotte, the ruler of the tiny country now under German occupation, is not aboard the ship.
The state department said that the transportation on the Trenton was "granted as a mark of international courtesy to the chief of a state with which the United States always has had friendly relations." The Luxembourg government had made the request of the United States to assist with safe passage for the members of the Grand Ducal family.
Grand Duchess Charlotte and her family have been living in Lisbon, Portugal. She remained behind as her husband and children boarded the Trenton. The six children are, Hereditary Grand Duke Jean, 19; Prince Charles, 13, and Princesses Elisabeth, 18; Marie-Adelaide, 16; Marie-Gabrielle, 15, and Alix, 11.)
Although no reason was given for Charlotte's decision to remain in Lisbon, it seems unlikely that she would have traveled with her six children, including her heir apparent.
1 comment:
•Memorial Day
•May 30, 1947
•
In an emotional and beautifully moving voice, Grand Duchess Charlotte paid tribute to the American World War II dead who were laid to rest in her country. NBC broadcasted her speech (and that of an American general) on this date from Luxembourg to the United States. The program was especially aimed towards families whose loved ones fell while serving in the European Theater.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ7I1RIMXmU
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