Photo: Cour grand-ducale / Marion Dessard
The Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg released a statement on Monday defending his wife following allegations of a “hostile working environment” in the palace.
Cour grand-ducale / Marion Dessard
“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?”
The Grand Duke, who took over the throne in October 2000, then proceeded to list some of the causes he and his wife have advocated for since he started his reign.
“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.”
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Earlier this month, the Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg announced in apress releasethat Grand Duchess Maria had to suspend her royal duties while she tends to the bedside of her younger brother Luis Mestre after he was admitted into the intensive care unit.
The Grand Duke and Duchess wed in February 1981 and have five children and four grandchildren.
source: people.com
