| Grand Duke Henri released a statement defending his wife Grand Duchess Maria Teresa following press allegations. The statement was released on the royal family’s official website, and was accompanied by a string of new photos of the couple taken by Marion Dessard. The open letter was addressed to the press and it comes after an article released by Lëtzebuerger Land, which claims that his wife Duchess Maria Teresa fostered a hostile working environment due to her handling of the palace’s staff. |
| “I am writing to you from my brother-in-law’s bedside in an intensive care unit in Geneva,” Grand Duke Henri wrote in the letter. “Out of a desire for openness, transparency and modernity, I agreed that the internal analysis proposed by the Prime Minister should go ahead.” “As we await publication of the report, and indeed throughout this process, articles have appeared in the media making unfair accusations against my wife, the mother of our five children and a devoted grandmother. This is taking its toll on my whole family. Why attack a woman? A woman who speaks up for other women? A woman who is not even being given the right to defend herself?” “Since I came to the throne, it has been our shared desire to help modernise our constitutional monarchy, and we wish to continue to contribute to this process. The causes my wife has fought for, which I have always supported and which we will continue to fight for, are vitally important. This work includes campaigning against dyslexia, fighting sexual violence, improving the status of imprisoned children in Africa, helping to develop microfinance and promoting education for young girls and women.” “I am proud of the commitment, intelligence and energy my wife brings to bear in all this work. The devotion she has shown over the past 39 years to serving our country by my side is exemplary and is of essential importance to me,” it said toward the end of the statement, which was dated January 26. “We will continue to serve you; to be there for you and for Luxembourg. Especially at this crucial time when our children are setting out on a family life of their own, we feel bound as parents to ensure that they can make the most of these precious years as our heirs.” The mentioned report is one requested by Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, which will examine the accounts and management of the Court’s staff. It is currently being carried out by Jeannot Waringo, a retired senior civil servant. In the upcoming weeks, the report will be presented to the Prime Minister. Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are currently in Geneva for the duchess' younger brother who was recently admitted into intensive care. |
What's interesting here is that st no point does he say she didn't do what she's accused of. He just says dont attack her because she's a woman ( as a feminist, this is such a BS reason), and she's done so much for women, and we'll wait for the report on staff spending.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that's because he cannott undermine the report by stating one way or the other. He is asking for everyone to wait for the facts as he must do. And he's trying to highlight the total u turn by media in order to generate revenue and interest.
DeleteThe photos are beautiful and I love their choice of casually elegant clothes. The Grand Duke is surely the most handsome royal of his generation. I doubt his open letter will do much good, but at least he’s made his own views clear. (V.M.)
ReplyDeleteAgree; the Grand Duke is most handsome. I love his coat and scarf ensemble. Not crazy about her coat but her hair looks fantastic.
DeleteI have no idea whether or not those accusations are true, but the letter Henri wrote in response suggests that they are. This is what people do who have no strong arguments, let alone proof, to show that any given claims are false. He tries to discredit the accuser´s credibility rather than responding factually to the claims. It´s a game with emotions where all the usual tricks are played (how dare attack a woman, a mother, a devoted grandmother, my wife of 39 years, involved in many strong causes, without giving her a chance to defend herself... and also the opening: I´m writing from brother in law´s bedside in ICU). None of this is relevant to the accusations. If he had anything better and factual to say on the subject, he surely would have said it. But as is, I really think, he had better not written anything at all.
ReplyDeleteO dear, what a strong message.
DeleteI would not have put it into these words, but in essence you are right I am afraid.
It is a very strange story.
I agree, very odd story indeed.... JT
DeleteYou'd think he would have learned from Prince Andrews' error. Not the same accusations but like Vanessa is saying; better to not say anything than to try to mis-direct and make a play for sympathy. It just makes you look all the more guilty even if maybe you aren't. What did Shakespeare say about protesting too much?
DeleteAnd I know it's none of our business - and I believe he is a private citizen (?) - but every time they mention her brother Luis I just want to know even more what, exactly, is wrong with him.
Europa
Still, are the staff lying or not?
ReplyDeleteIn this case I tend to agree with Vanessa. It very much looks like the letter did more harm than any good. PR disaster, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteApparently it is true. Not once does he say it's not true
ReplyDeleteAs far as I have understood the prime minister has put up a committee (?) to investigate the situation at the royal court because of "bad working climate". The case is nearly completed, but not officially published. However, the contents (or part of it) has been leaked to the press.
ReplyDeleteOne of the accusations seems to be that it is Maria Teresa and not Henri who reigns/rules at the court.
Margot
It seems the GD is a more easy going man. Maria Teresa is a bit more robust in her handling of the daily running of the Court. She maybe a perfectionist and everything has to to her way, if right or not. Question is how far will she push? But at the end of the day, the Responsibility is the GD's. If she bullies people, she should know better, this is what she said GDss JC did to her,then she should remember how it felt?
ReplyDeleteI was unaware of any of this situation. What exactly has been the accusation?
ReplyDeleteRenee
Here's one (of many articles) with information: https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1457676.html
DeleteEuropa
30% of the staff has been fired in 2 years! 1 employee committed suicide! M-T wastes 11 million euros per year of the taxpayers for the court. she is constantly absent and lives in Paris, Henri goes alone to all major important events like commemorations 75 years liberation in Ausschwitz... she dictated this "letter" in spanish, not official language! she doens't respect the 3 official languages, LUX. French German, she abolishes german in the press... henris letter is completely off theme, no answer to the Waringo Report of the government... poor man under the commando de la cubana
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I did not know any of this. What a sad state of affairs if all of this is truthful, but then there are so many wrongdoings going on in all circles of life.... JT
DeleteHow does she have the power to abolish German in the press? I don't understand.
DeleteRoyalty fan
DeleteOh dear me, I didn't know any of this. I missed her at the Japanese enthronement, and at their new year reception, they give every year.
It certainly does not sound very good. I think Vanessa made some very valid points.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if her "ruling" extends to her family. Like, remember when Stephanie would go to galas wearing MT's old gowns? Theyr were I'll fitting and dated, and now km wondering if MT would not allow Stephanie her wardrobe choices.
ReplyDeleteComplete conjecture on my part, but it would make sense to me. -Lupe
Grand Duke Henri aleays reminds me of David Bowie
ReplyDeleteMBF
Ladies and gentlemen, the return of Ziggy Stardust!
DeleteGrand Duke Henri always reminds me of David Bowie
ReplyDeleteMBF
MT did not even go to the burial of stéphi's father!!! Mme was in Paris giving some stupid price to someone. that was her priority... A SCANDAL ! i hope stéphi will not suffer under her mother-in law, like others...
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN READ THE WHOLE OFFICIAL "REPORT WARINGO" ASKED FOR BY THE GOVERNMENT OF LUXEMBOURG ! ON THE DYSFUNCTIONMENTS OF THE COURT ON RTL.LU, IT IS TERRIBLE WITH "ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR..." !
ReplyDeleteIf true, rather interesting because MT complained how she was mistreated by her own mother in law.
ReplyDelete@ Vanessa. Very valid points. GD sidestepped the issue but at least he offered a spirited defense of his wife which is not done by other houses. The sand is shifting under all of these thrones. Bad behavior will no longer be tolerated as people question the cost to maintain these families.
ReplyDeleteThe Danish govt.has made Mary return to work. She did not have permission to be away for 6 weeks. There seems to be a tougher approach to them in general.
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