Maria Teresa of Luxembourg turns 70 in a new reality: moving residence, stepping down from official duties, and rethinking her role in her family and society. How have her daily routines changed after passing the throne to her son, and why has this stage become a real challenge for her
Moving to Fischbach Castle: how Luxembourg’s former grand ducal couple is building a new life
Maria Teresa’s family traditions: what remains unchanged after leaving the throne
Maria Teresa seeks an assistant: how her daily life is shifting after her change in status
The family of Luxembourgβs former Grand Dukes has undergone major changes after handing power to a new generation. For the first time in 25 years, Maria Teresa of Luxembourg is celebrating her birthday without the status of the country’s first lady, making headlines not only because of her age but also due to the circumstances surrounding her departure from the throne. The decision to change monarchs, made in October last year, resulted in Maria Teresa and her husband Henri giving way to their son Guillaume and his wife StΓ©phanie de Lannoy. This event marked not just the formal close of an era, but also the start of a new, less public phase in the former Grand Duchessβs life.
Losing her official powers brought significant changes to Maria Teresa’s daily life along with her change in status. She has almost disappeared from the ducal family’s official social media accounts, and her name no longer appears in rankings of the top-spending royal women on fashion. Instead of the luxurious Berg Castle, now owned by the new duke, the couple moved to the more modest Fischbach Castle. According to RUSSPAIN, this location is connected to their family history, but it lacks the former scale and prestige.
The impact of the scandals
Maria Teresa’s period in power was marked not only by charitable activities, but also by major scandals. A key episode was the so-called ‘Waringo Report,’ published in 2019, which uncovered management issues within the ducal court. The report highlighted authoritarian leadership methods and high staff turnoverβwith more than fifty employees leaving in five years. These findings dealt a serious blow to the duchess’s reputation and, in the view of many, accelerated the power transition process.
After abdicating, Maria Teresa faced the need to reconsider her role. In an interview, she admitted she dreams of traveling around Europe, but a recent surgery forced her to temporarily put those plans on hold. Her husband, on the contrary, is planning a motorcycle trip through the Himalayas and intends to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. Despite some limitations, Maria Teresa continues to be involved in charity projects, especially those supporting women and families in difficult situations.
A new life outside protocol
The move to Fischbach Castle marked a new chapter for the former ducal couple. This privately-owned estate has long been connected to their family: all five of their children were born here. Built in the 11th century, the castle has witnessed many historic events, including occupation during World War II. Today, the state maintains the property, but the atmosphere is much less formal than at their previous residence.
Maria Teresa is actively seeking new ways to express herself. She recently announced she is looking for a personal assistant to help organize her and her husband’s schedules and manage their travel plans. She also continues to appear on television, where she shares childhood memories and her favorite music. On one program, she spoke about her affection for the song βPor la caraβ by Mecano, noting that the song reflects her outlook on life.
Family traditions and personal priorities
Despite the changes, some family traditions remain constant. The former dukes continue to spend their summer holidays in Bormes-les-Mimosas in the south of France, gathering there with their children and grandchildren. This place has become a symbol of stability and family values for them. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such traditions help maintain inner unity even amid change and uncertainty.
In an interview, the former duke noted that his new life brings peace, but is not without a sense of confinement. He compared his situation to a “golden cage,” where privileges come with a lack of freedom. Maria Teresa, meanwhile, admits that she sometimes feels like an exile, but tries to create comfort wherever she is. She devotes herself to arranging their new home, using family heirlooms and personal belongings.
Maria Teresa of Luxembourg was born in Havana in 1956 to a family of Spanish descent. After the revolution, her family emigrated, first to New York and then to Geneva, where she obtained Swiss citizenship and studied political science. It was in Geneva that she met her future husband, Grand Duke Henri, despite opposition from the ducal family. Together they had five children, and today Maria Teresa is a grandmother of eight. Throughout her life, she has been actively involved in charity work, focusing especially on education, women’s and children’s rights, and cooperation with UNESCO. Even after stepping down from the throne, she continues her efforts in these areas, considering them her main calling.
