Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and her husband Grand Duke Henri enjoyed a rare public outing on Sunday as they joined a galaxy of stars at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
The Luxembourg royals attended the premiere of Walter Salles' drama, I'm Still Here, which was held at the historic Sala Grande on Venice Lido.
© Getty ImagesFor the glitzy occasion, the Grand Duchess made a bold statement in a rippling jewel-toned shift dress crafted by Lebanese fashion designer, Rabih Kayrouz. The 68-year-old exuded old Hollywood glamour in her vivid grape-hued frock complete with a halter neck design and swathes of billowing fabric.
The mother-of-five wore a matching violet silk scarf draped around her arms, and accessorised with beaded crystal earrings, a chunky gem-encrusted ring and a gleaming silver bangle.
© Getty ImagesShe wore her cropped locks in a side part and highlighted her features with a daub of smokey eyeshadow and a slick of glossy pink lipstick.
Her husband, Grand Duke Henri, meanwhile, looked his usual dapper self in a tailored navy suit, a crisp white shirt and black dress shoes. For a pop of colour, the 69-year-old spruced up his red-carpet look with a funky sky blue tie emblazoned with white birds.
© Getty ImagesIn photos shared from the event, the couple looked so loved-up as they posed for photographers ahead of the premiere. In one particularly heartwarming snapshot, Grand Duke Henri is pictured offering his arm to his wife, with the pair later linking arms in a sweet display of affection.
The couple's rare outing comes after Henri expressed his desire to step back from duties. In June this year, the monarch revealed that his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, will assume his position on the throne.
© Getty Images"I would like to inform you that I have decided to appoint Prince Guillaume as Lieutenant-Representative in October," said Henri, addressing his 'abdication' in a national holiday address.
"It is with all my love and confidence that I wish him the best of luck," he added.
The Grand Duke assumed the throne on 7 October 2000. He became the heir apparent when he was just nine years old following the abdication of his grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte.
For now, Grand Duke Henri will retain his official title, as this is not yet an abdication. Instead, he will be represented by his son Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. It's not yet known why the monarch has chosen to pass on his reign to his eldest son, aside from the royal expressing an interest in retirement.
© Getty ImagesAside from Prince Guillaume, Henri and his wife also share Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien.
LOVE THE ROYALS? JOIN THE CLUB!
If you are reading this, the chances are you are obsessed with all things royalty – which is just as well because so are we! So obsessed, in fact, we’ve launched a club solely dedicated to covering them. So welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club. We would love you to join us there…
What is it?
Interactive community offering behind-the-scenes access, exclusive royal interviews, unmissable royal insights, and an illustrious royal Inner Circle.
Member benefits
- Two weekly newsletters, one from Emily Nash
- Video posts and audio notes from Emily Nash and the HELLO! Royal team
- Access to our royal community and opportunity to interact with club writers and members
- Participate in polls, comments and discussion threads
- Royal-themed puzzles with a weekly prize to be won
- Access to our Ask Me Anything sessions with our journalists
- Invitations to in-person and virtual events
- A subscription to the digital edition of HELLO! Magazine (Worth £82 annually)*
- Future ‘Inner Circle’ benefits
By royal decree
You are royally invited to join The HELLO! Royal Club – and then to go forth and spread the word to your fellow royal fans. See you in the club!
