Grand Duchess Stephanie marked a royal first as she hosted her first state banquet this week – complete with a glittering tiara.
The royal, 42, was joined by her husband, Grand Duke Guillaume, 44, to host the President of Finland and his wife for a grand gala evening held at the historic Grand Ducal Palace.
Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, were welcomed by the royal couple, who took to the throne last year, to the royal residence in Luxembourg City.
The historic occasion was especially significant as it has been 18 years since a Finnish head of state had paid an official visit to the Grand Duchy.
© © Grand Duke's Household, Luxembourg / Kary BarthelmeyThe dinner brought to a close a day of intense institutional activity, marked by military honors, the moving floral tribute, and a distinguished cultural program, as the couple hosted their first state visit as Duke and Duchess.
The lavish banquet came as King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain hosted a historic welcome in Madrid for Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, also complete with finery and tiaras.
The Spanish royal couple is also getting ready for a visit to Finland, which they will complete between 5 and 7 October.
Duchess Stephanie's incredible tiara
Stephanie showcased some of the most exquisite jewels from the House of Nassau-Weilburg's collection.
She opted for the tiara of Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, which features dazzling pear-shaped diamonds and delicate sapphires from the legacy of Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden.
© © Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary BarthelmeyThe jewelled piece was originally a necklace, but it can be transformed as and when it's needed.
Stéphanie herself demonstrated this by wearing it as a choker during the celebrations for the 80th birthday of the King and Queen of Norway in 2017 and during the State Visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands a year later.
Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie's first year on the throne
The new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess ascended the throne last November, after Guillaume's father, Grand Duke Henri, abdicated after 25 years.
Guillaume's swearing-in ceremony was followed by a new appearance by the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess on the balcony of the palace before a welcome ceremony at City Hall, a meet-and-greet with the public, a reception, and then a gala dinner.
© Getty ImagesThis year, the couple met for an official audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, with Duchess Stephanie exercising her "privilege du blanc" – the privilege of wearing white – which is permitted as she is head of a Catholic country.
Last month, the couple attended the state funeral of King Harald of Norway, who passed away aged 89, joining senior representatives from monarchies around Europe.
Guillaume, who is the eldest child of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, married Countess Stephanie de Lannoy on 19 October 2012.
In May 2020, the couple welcomed their first son, Charles, followed by their second son, François, in March 2023.
