Marie-Adélaïde

Birth of Marie-Adélaïde ~ Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

.

Marie-Adélaïde was born on 14th June 1894 in Berg Castle, Luxembourg.

She was the eldest child of Grand Duke William IV and his wife, Marie Anne of Portugal.

Since her father had six daughters and no sons, he proclaimed Marie-Adélaïde as the heir presumptive.

When Marie-Adélaïde's father died on 25th February 1912, she succeeded to the throne at the age of 17, becoming the first reigning Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.

Marie-Adélaïde was deeply interested in politics, and took an active part in the government and the political life of the Grand Duchy.

With the outbreak of World War I, Luxembourg found itself in a dangerous position, unable to defend itself from German invasion because of its neutral status.

When, on 2nd August 1914 Germany violated the neutrality of Luxembourg on the pretext of protecting the railroads, Marie-Adélaïde and her government issued formal protests, which failed to prevent the military occupation of the country.

Marie-Adélaïde and her people, now behind German lines, wisely did not attempt a foolhardy and vain resistance to the occupying army, but maintained their neutrality throughout the war.

Marie-Adélaïde devoted herself to the work of the Red Cross in Luxembourg, and nursed soldiers on both fronts.

Political tensions, however, continued unabated throughout the war.

After the end of the war Marie-Adélaïde was harshly criticised for her attitude, and the perception of her as being pro-German.

Marie-Adélaïde was of German blood, and her opposition used this against her.

Although she had not done anything wrong, voices in Parliament began to demand her abdication in January 1919.

The 24-year-old Grand Duchess abdicated on 14th January 1919. She was succeeded by her younger sister, Princess Charlotte.

After her abdication Marie-Adélaïde went into exile by travelling through Europe.

She entered a convent in Modena, Italy in 1920.

Later, she joined the 'Little Sisters of the Poor' in Rome, taking the name "Sister Marie of the Poor".

Her worsening health did not allow her to remain a nun, and she eventually had to leave the convent.

She then moved to Schloss Hohenburg in Bavaria, where, surrounded by her family, she died of Inflienza, on 24th January 1924, aged 29.

Marie-Adélaïde had not married or had children.

On 22 October 1947, her body was interred in the Grand Ducal Crypt of the Notre~Dame Cathedral, in the city of Luxembourg.

.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MarieLuxembourg

.

https://ko-fi.com/thetudorintruders

.

Marie-Adélaïde, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg