Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg, Countess of Holstein-Ledreborg, has reached a remarkable milestone: her 95th birthday. Born on August 2, 1925, at Berg Castle, Luxembourg, she is the third daughter and fourth of the six children of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Félix. This significant achievement is a testament to her resilience and longevity, as well as the enduring legacy of her noble family.
Throughout her life, Princess Marie Gabrielle has been a symbol of elegance and refinement. Her marriage to Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg produced seven daughters, and her family has been a constant source of support and inspiration. As she celebrates this major birthday, we take a moment to reflect on her remarkable life and the many contributions she has made to her family and community. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to all those who know her, and we wish her a happy birthday and many more years of joy and fulfillment.
what were the key milestones in Princess Marie Gabrielle’s life
- Birth and Early Life: Born on August 2, 1925, at Berg Castle, Luxembourg, she was the third daughter and fourth child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix of Luxembourg. She spent her early years at Berg Castle and was privately educated with her siblings.
- World War II and Exile: During World War II, the Grand Ducal Family fled Luxembourg in May 1940 and eventually settled in Quebec, Canada, where Marie-Gabrielle attended school. She later moved to Britain, where she became involved in British Red Cross activities.
- Marriage and Family: Marie-Gabrielle married Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1951 and had seven daughters between 1952 and 1962. The family settled at Ledreborg Castle, the seat of the Holstein-Ledreborg family, on the Danish island of Zealand.
- Sculpting Career: Marie-Gabrielle was a student of sculptor Auguste Tremont and showcased her sculptures several times under the name “Mademoiselle de Clervaux” in both France and Luxembourg.
- Public Life and Patronage: She served as a patron of the Salon de l’Art Vivant à Differdange, an art exhibition in the Grand Duchy, and was the godmother of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
- Later Life and Death: After Knud’s death in 2001, Marie-Gabrielle continued to live at Ledreborg Castle, making occasional appearances at official and family events. She died on February 9, 2023, at the age of 97, and her funeral was held on February 18, 2023, at Ledreborg Castle.
what was Princess Marie Gabrielle’s role in the Grand Ducal Family
- Godmother: She served as the godmother of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, born in 1955.
- Patronage: Princess Marie Gabrielle was a patron of the Salon de l’Art Vivant à Differdange, an art exhibition in the Grand Duchy, showcasing her own sculptures under the name “Mademoiselle de Clervaux” in both France and Luxembourg.
- Family Involvement: She remained close to the Luxembourg Grand Ducal Family, attending family events such as weddings, christenings, and funerals, and maintaining a strong bond with her siblings and their families.
- Public Life: Princess Marie Gabrielle made occasional appearances at official and family events in Luxembourg, particularly after her husband Knud’s retirement from active management of Ledreborg Castle and family holdings in 1990.
These roles demonstrate Princess Marie Gabrielle’s commitment to her family, her artistic pursuits, and her public life, making her an integral part of the Grand Ducal Family.
what was Princess Marie Gabrielle’s relationship with her siblings
- Brothers: She had three younger brothers: Constantin (born 22 July 1988), Wenceslas (born 17 November 1990), and Carl-Johan (born 1 August 1992).
- Sister: Princess Marie Gabrielle had a twin sister, Princess Marie Charlotte, who was born on 30 May 1931 and passed away in 2018.
- Other Siblings: Marie Gabrielle also had two other siblings: her brother Duke Franz (born 1933) and her youngest brother Duke Max (born 1937).
These siblings were part of the Luxembourg Grand Ducal Family, with her brother Grand Duke Jean being the head of state between 1964 and 2000.
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| Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg |
Today, Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg, Countess of Holstein-Ledreborg, celebrates her ninety-fifth birthday! She is the sister of the late Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and the aunt of Grand Duke Henri.
Princess Marie Gabrielle Aldegunde Wilhelmine Louise of Luxembourg was born on 2 August 1925 at Berg Castle, Luxembourg. The princess was the third daughter and fourth of the six children of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Félix.
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| Newlyweds: Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg and Princess Marie Gabriele of Luxembourg. |
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| Knud and Marie Gabrielle with their seven daughters. |
In August 1951, the engagement was announced between Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg and Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg. On 5 November 1951 at Colmar-Berg, Princess Marie Gabrielle civilly married Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg (b.2 October 1919). Knud was the son of Count Josef of Holstein-Ledreborg (1874-1951) and Countess Christina Hamilton. Count Knud and Princess Marie Gabrielle celebrated their religious wedding the following day on 6 November 1951. The couple had seven daughters: Countess Monica (b.1952; married Henrik de Dompierre de Jonquières), Countess Lydia (b.1955; married Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma), Countess Veronica (b.1956; married François de Pottere), Countess Sylvia (b.1958; married John Munro of Foulis), Countess Camilla (1959-2010; married Baron Eric Bertouch-Lehn), Countess Tatiana (b.1961; married Mark von Riedemann), and Countess Antonia (b.1962; took religious orders and became a nun in 1992).
Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg passed away on 25 June 2001 at the age of eighty-one. Knud had suffered from cancer. His funeral took place on 30 June 2001 at Ledreborg.
Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg, Countess of Holstein-Ledreborg, lives at Ledreborg in Denmark.
princess marie gabrielle’s siblings
- Birth and Early Life: Born on August 2, 1925, at Berg Castle, Luxembourg, she was the third daughter and fourth child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix of Luxembourg. She spent her early years at Berg Castle and was privately educated with her siblings.
- World War II and Exile: During World War II, the Grand Ducal Family fled Luxembourg in May 1940 and eventually settled in Quebec, Canada, where Marie-Gabrielle attended school. She later moved to Britain, where she became involved in British Red Cross activities.
- Marriage and Family: Marie-Gabrielle married Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1951 and had seven daughters between 1952 and 1962. The family settled at Ledreborg Castle, the seat of the Holstein-Ledreborg family, on the Danish island of Zealand.
- Sculpting Career: Marie-Gabrielle was a student of sculptor Auguste Tremont and showcased her sculptures several times under the name “Mademoiselle de Clervaux” in both France and Luxembourg.
- Public Life and Patronage: She served as a patron of the Salon de l’Art Vivant à Differdange, an art exhibition in the Grand Duchy, and was the godmother of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
- Later Life and Death: After Knud’s death in 2001, Marie-Gabrielle continued to live at Ledreborg Castle, making occasional appearances at official and family events. She died on February 9, 2023, at the age of 97, and her funeral was held on February 18, 2023, at Ledreborg Castle.
As we conclude our reflection on the remarkable life of Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg, Countess of Holstein-Ledreborg, we are reminded of the enduring legacy she has left behind. Her remarkable journey, marked by her artistic pursuits and her dedication to her family, serves as an inspiration to all those who know her. We wish her a happy birthday and many more years of joy and fulfillment.
Princess Marie Gabrielle’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and longevity, as well as the enduring legacy of her noble family. Her remarkable journey, marked by her artistic pursuits and her dedication to her family, serves as an inspiration to all those who know her. We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on her remarkable life and to celebrate her remarkable achievements. We wish her a happy birthday and many more years of joy and fulfillment.
what are some key achievements of Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg
- Artistic Pursuits: She was a student of sculptor Auguste Tremont and exhibited her sculptures several times under the name “Mademoiselle de Clervaux” in both France and Luxembourg.
- Patronage: Princess Marie Gabrielle served as a patron of the Salon de l’Art Vivant à Differdange, an art exhibition in the Grand Duchy.
- Family and Marriage: She married Count Knud of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1951 and had seven daughters between 1952 and 1962. The family settled at Ledreborg Castle, the seat of the Holstein-Ledreborg family, on the Danish island of Zealand.
- Public Life and Official Events: Princess Marie Gabrielle attended official and family events in Luxembourg, including the wedding of her cousin, Jacques of Bourbon-Parma, to Danish countess Birgitte of Holstein-Ledreborg, where she met her future husband Knud.
- Godmother: She served as the godmother of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
- Legacy: Princess Marie Gabrielle’s remarkable life and achievements serve as an inspiration to all those who know her, and her family continues to be involved in public life and official events in Luxembourg.
