Grand Duke Praises Essential Workers, Focuses on Solidarity in Christmas Message

On Christmas Eve, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke delivered his traditional televised Christmas address in which he reflected on the past year.

Looking back at 2020, a year characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic and its health and economic repercussions, he described it as "a huge challenge for all of us, one we have not experienced in recent decades". He recognised the fact that Christmas is different this year, unlike the traditional "warm moments, which we share with family or friends, at home or at a Christmas market adorned with festive decorations".

Grand Duke Henri praised the Luxembourg government for having reacted quickly and "immediately assumed its responsibilities" in this unprecedented context, having declared a three-month state of emergency in March - the first time this had happened since the Second World War. Whilst he recognised how difficult this decision and its repercussions were, he stressed that the measures were "necessary in order to protect our fellow citizens, our loved ones and ourselves, and they are limited in time".

Turning to the glimmer of hope provided by COVID-19 vaccines, the Grand Duke praised the efforts of scientists, medical staff and governments in finding "the best ways to protect people". He emphasised that the vaccine would allow a gradual "return to normalcy", although patience was still needed.

He expressed both his and his wife, the Grand Duchess', condolences to the victims of COVID-19, as well as their friends and families. On behalf of the Grand Ducal couple, he also sent well wishes to those who are still suffering the symptoms or after-effects of the virus and those who are currently in isolation or quarantine. He went on to consider the impact of the pandemic on the elderly and vulnerable, who are often alone, as well as on younger people, for whom this year has been "particularly difficult". He thanked teachers for their continued efforts and flexibility in adapting to this new situation "in order to be able to exercise their essential profession".

Returning to the efforts of healthcare workers, Grand Duke Henri emphasised that despite the "extremely difficult" nature of the current situation, medical staff are "doing a wonderful job". He thanked other essential workers, as well as cross-border workers for their "exemplary commitment". He highlighted the need for solidarity, adding that he was " mpressed by the cohesion in our country, a cohesion that has lasted for so many months". 

Turning to the economy, the Grand Duke recognised that smaller businesses, the hotel and catering, events and culture sectors had been particularly hard hit, despite government support measures. He noted that the economic repercussions of the pandemic were likely to be felt in the long term, "especially since the Luxembourg economy is highly dependent on our European neighbours as well as on the world economy". This is why it is "essential that we mobilise our efforts within the European Union". He continued: "Answers to most questions cannot be found exclusively at the national level, and blind nationalism provides no solution to current challenges. This is why multilateralism, which Luxembourg has always resolutely pursued, is of fundamental importance".

On the subject of climate change, the Grand Duke recognised that this "remains a challenge for all countries and governments around the world". He stressed that the Paris agreement must be urgently implemented.

On a personal note, he reflected on the "symbolic" nature of 2020, since it marked 20 years since he became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He thanked the public for their trust over these years. He also referred to the changes made at the Grand Ducal Palace this past year, namely the creation of the Maison du Grand-Duc, which is aimed at strengthening and modernising the monarchy. Another highlight for the Grand Ducal family in 2020 was the birth of his grandson, Prince Charles, in May.

The Grand Duke added that it was important to stay positive as the year comes to a close, recalling the public appeal of his grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, from darker days in 1942: “Kommt mir loossen de Kapp an dëse schwéieren Zäiten net hänken!” (Let’s keep our heads up high in these difficult times!).

Grand Duke Henri ended his address on a positive note, recalling that "after darkness comes light". On behalf of the Grand Ducal family, he wished everyone "a very happy Christmas and a new and better year 2021".