Webinar: Grand Duchess Charlotte: a voice of her own?

Luxembourg has celebrated its sovereign’s birthday since the 18th century. When Grand Duchess Charlotte (23 January 1896–9 July 1985) ascended the throne in 1919, the date for these birthday celebrations became 23 January, and this date was declared a national holiday in 1947. But on 23 December 1961, a Grand Ducal Decree set the date of 23 June as Luxembourg’s National Day, when the country would officially celebrate the monarch’s birthday. National Day has continued to be celebrated on 23 June during the successive reigns of Grand Duke Jean (1964-2000), born on 5 January, and Grand Duke Henri (since 2000), born on 16 April. National Day is one of the symbols of the monarchy, together with the coat of arms and the anthem of the Grand Ducal House.

Programme

• Introduction – Elena Danescu, Coordinator of EDIC University of Luxembourg
• Address – Sonja Kmec, Associate Professor at the University of Luxembourg, Institute for History
• Milestones during Grand Duchess Charlotte’s reign – Photo exhibition produced by the Comité Alstadt – Presentation by Joana Da Silva, EDIC University of Luxembourg
• Debate with the audience
• In the archives - Je maintiendrai - La vie de S.A.R. Madame la Grande-Duchesse de Luxembourg by Jos Pauly (1964) – Screening of a biographical film about Grand Duchess Charlotte
• Conclusions

Record of the conference