Luxembourg: The Golden Rose

When Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg returned from exile to her tiny liberated country after World War II, she was greeted with unpretentious affection by her subjects. "Madame," said her Prime Minister simply, "we love you."

Charlotte became Grand Duchess in 1919 after her elder sister, Marie-Adélaïde, was forced to abdicate for her pro-German sentiments during World War I. Charlotte quickly indicated her own, very different feelings by reviewing U.S. troops with General Pershing at her side; ever since, she has been on the friendliest terms with the U.S. Among her 320,000 people, she lived quietly with her husband, Prince Félix of Bourbon-Parma, a descendant of Louis XIV, and her six children. Charlotte's favorite pastime was growing roses, and the Vatican awarded her a Golden Rose as a symbol of her devotion to her faith.

In recent years, the Grand Duchess has been delegating most of her duties (mainly ceremonial), to her oldest son, Prince Jean, 43, who is married to the sister of Belgium's King Baudouin. Last week, at 68, Charlotte announced to her government ministers that she would abdicate in Jean's favor. "Workers can retire at 65," Charlotte said, "so why shouldn't I?"