The commitment is now official. Prince Felix, surrounded by the proud Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg, has officially introduced his fiancée Claire Lademacher to the world. Before a small crowd of local and international journalists, Felix recently showed off his bride-to-be at a photo call held in the grand surroundings of Luxembourg's Château de Berg. Members of both families took part, headed by Felix's parents Grand Duke Henri and his wife Maria Teresa.
The royals took the opportunity to announce that the young couple will not be married in Luxembourg but will most likely say "I do" in Claire's native Germany. Tradition states that nuptials take place in the bride's homeland, however, the lavish wedding of Felix's brother Crown Prince Guillaume to Princess Stephanie was the exception to the rule. Given his status as heir apparent, Guillaume's wedding was cause for national celebrations in Luxembourg itself. Now, the country is preparing for more royal romance. As yet no official date or location has been released for Felix and Claire's wedding, but expectations are certainly high.
The Prince, 28, is the second son of the Grand Duke and Duchess after elder brother Guillaume. His younger siblings include Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien, all of whom are expected to played a key role in the big day. German-born Claire, 27, is an heiress who grew up near Frankfurt. Her father, Hartmut Lademacher, is worth an estimated €600 million and garnered his fortune thanks to savvy investments in the software industry. The pretty brunette's history with Felix dates back to their student days at Beau Soleil boarding school, a prestigious institution nestled in the stunning valleys of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. The pair also read Bioethics in Rome, where they spent a lot of time studying together and getting to know one another in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Now, that friendship has blossomed into something much deeper and the couple recently announced their engagement with a statement that read: "The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess have the inmense joy to announce the engagement of their son, His Royal Highness Prince Felix, to Miss Claire Lademacher." Felix and Claire are not the only young royals preparing to wed in 2013. Recently Princess Madeleine of Sweden announced her plans to marry her financier partner Chris O'Neill. Madeleine, who is third in line to the Swedish throne, revealed her big news in November.