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Grand Duchess Charlotte
On April 14, 1945, the streets of Luxembourg City were crowded with people welcoming back their returning monarch. Grand Duchess Charlotte had been exiled from her country during the Nazi occupation, but that did not stop this formidable woman from continuously advocating for her people. According to a 1964 New York Times article, when asked what the people of Luxembourg thought of Grand Duchess Charlotte, they would respond with “Madame got us back our country.”
Picture: Grand Duchess Charlotte. Luxembourg American Cultural Society Archives.
Grand Duchess Charlotte: About My Project
Charlotte Aldegonde Élise Marie Wilhelmine was born on January 23, 1896 to Grand Duke William IV and Grand Duchess Marie Anne. Following her older sister’s abdication of the throne, Charlotte was named Grand Duchess of Luxembourg in 1919.
Grand Duchess Charlotte: Text
In May 1940, the Nazi regime occupied Luxembourg and the royal family went into exile. The family’s official residence was in Montreal, Canada, but the Grand Duchess spent most of her time in Washington, D.C. To bring awareness of the war in her homeland, Grand Duchess Charlotte decided to tour through North America. The first part of her Good-Will-Tour began in 1941, travelling to Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago and meet with Luxembourg immigrants and Luxembourg Americans. She continued her tour in late 1942 with a visit to Boston, before going to New Orleans, Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Missouri in spring 1943. It was through this Good-Will-Tour that Grand Duchess Charlotte formed lasting relationships with the Luxembourg American community and the United States. Finally in 1944, Luxembourg City was liberated by American troops and the exiled royal family returned home to their people.
Photo: Grand Duchess Charlotte being welcomed in Chicago during her exile. LACS Archives.
Grand Duchess Charlotte is arguably one of the most recognizable women in Luxembourg and Luxembourg American history. This is not only because she was the monarch, but because she worked tirelessly during her reign of 45 years to make Luxembourg the country it is today and create a strong friendship between Luxembourg and the United States.
Photo: Grand Duchess Charlotte returning to Luxembourg City and Luxembourg after being in exile during World War II. Luxembourg American Cultural Society Archives.
Grand Duchess Charlotte: Other Projects
Grand Duchess Charlotte: Text
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