5. Memorial to the Grand Duchess Charlotte
The memorial in honour of the Grand Duchess Charlotte was inaugurated on the 29th April 1990 in the presence of the Grand Ducal family.
On a circular multi-level rostrum, surrounded with geometrical elements that create a stylised flower, stands the 2.75-metre-high bronze statue by the French sculptor Jean CARDOT. The statue presents the Monarch in her typical, simple and elegant dress and wearing her favourite jewellery, a pearl necklace and matching earrings which had been a present from her grandfather Adolphe for his wife, Adelheid-Marie.
Charlotte, the second daughter of Grand Duke Wilhelm IV, followed her sister Marie-Adelheid on the throne after her abdication in January 1919. In contrast to her predecessor, Charlotte accepted the new political circumstances which had greatly reduced the power of the crown in favour of the people. She also agreed to the corresponding constitutional reform.
After the invasion of politically neutral Luxembourg by Nazi troops in May 1940, she decided to leave the country together with her government and explained this as ‘a difficult but necessary decision’. She travelled through France, Spain and Portugal to Great Britain and even to the USA and Canada in order to create diplomatic bonds and gain allies fighting Hitler and Nazi Germany.
Without regard for her personal safety and health, she went on goodwill tours around the USA to draw attention to the difficult situation of the Luxembourg people. With her warm open nature and self-confidence, and above all her personal energy, she gained support in her opposition to Nazi Germany. She was received five times by President Roosevelt and was able to convince him to support the Luxembourg population’s fight against the German occupation of the country.
The German bombings of London, where the Grand Duchess and the Luxembourg government had taken up residence, made her presence there dangerous. On a regular basis, she used the opportunity offered by BBC radio to address and encourage the oppressed Luxembourg population, always beginning with ‘Léif Lëtzebuerger’ (‘Dear Luxembourgers’). This represented a shimmer of hope for the Luxembourg people during the darkest period. In fact, she became a symbolic figure for the Luxembourg resistance.
After the end of the war, Charlotte returned to Luxembourg and often visited the regions and locations that had endured and suffered most. In addition, she used all her means and helped those most in need.
Up to the present, she continues to symbolise freedom, independence and the feeling of solidarity in the Luxembourg population. She was capable, despite the question of the legitimacy of the ruling monarchy, of reconciling and strengthening the bonds of the crown with the citizens of Luxembourg.
Interesting Detail
Due to her raised right hand, the Luxembourger people call her teasingly ‘the begging lady’.
Significance for Human Rights
Grand Duchess Charlotte was and remains an example and symbolic figure for all those committed to protecting freedom and national independence. Furthermore at the same time, she represents democracy and it is thanks to her that Luxembourg has become a modern state with a clear separation of powers.
Her selfless commitment during World War II encouraged Luxembourgers, who met secretly to listen to their monarch on the radio, to resist the national socialist dictatorship and to summon the courage in their fight for freedom and independence.
Article 15
Everyone has the right to a nationality.
Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
Article 21
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
