The most senior of Luxembourgian royals are finding themselves in the hot seat after spending Christmas abroad.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, both 64, spent Christmas in their Biarritz near the border home in France, 720 miles away near the border with Spain, at their ‘secret’ retreat.
The public found out when Duke Henri himself remarked that he was in Biarritz on December 24 when he co-signed a new set of new sanitary restrictions aiming to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Although the couple did not break any rules, their getaway has since been criticised by national newspaper Luxemburger Wort which accused the pair of ‘setting a bad example’.
There are currently no rules restricting travel outside Luxembourg, however, the country instated a curfew from 9pm to 6am everyday, which prevents people being in public spaces aside from essential reasons such as seeking medical care.
Non-essential retailers are shut until 10th January, while hospitality venures are closed until 15th.
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, both 64, pictured, found themselves in the hot seat after news spread they had spent Christmas in Biarritz, France
In an editorial, the Luxemburger Wort said the couple had failed to show a good example ‘at a time where Luxembourg is subject to a curfew from 9pm to 6am, where restaurants and pubs are closed and retailers are asked to keep their window closed.’
The royal court told the daily newspaper that ‘everyone has a responsibility in keeping with the sanitary rules in place in all foreign countries they might be travelling to.’
Biarritz is located in France, where a curfew from 8pm to 6am is currently in place, along with several restrictions.
Cinemas, theatres and other public venues were set to reopen on January 7, but might stay closed for longer.
Restaurants and cafes are remain closed around France until 20th January.
Meanwhile, speaking to Luxembourgian TV channel RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said he had ‘no problem’ with the Grand Duke leaving the country.
He added Henri was ‘constantly in contact with the government and its collaborators to stay informed and fulfill his duty.’
The Biarritz coastline where the Luxembourgina royals have reportedly bought a ‘secret getaway’ apartment they hope to spend more time at in the future (stock picture)
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa reportedly bought their new Biarritz abode, in South Western France, in August.
The couple have also voiced their wish to spend more time in Biarritz, where they said they can lead a ‘normal’ life.
Maria Teresa told daily publication Sud Ouest (South West) during a visit to Biarritz at the time: ‘Even if some people recognise us in the street, they remain discreet.’
The Luxembourgian royal also said that while her husband still has many commitments in Luxembourg, they would like to settle in Biarritz more permanently in the future.
The royal said she hoped the flat, which reportedly has a beautiful view of the coastline, would be hers and Grand Duke Henri’s ‘secret getaway.’
Maria Teresa, whose parents both descended from Spanish bourgoisie, could enjoy the proximity to Spain, where she has lived in before her marriage.
The couple welcomed their first grand child Prince Charles in May, the son of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 39 and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, 36.
The adorable prince is already melting the hearts of royal fans across the world with the court sharing snaps after snaps of the new heir.
Now in new photos shared by the Luxembourg charity Friends of Museums on Instagram, the seven-month-old is seen enjoying storyime with his mother, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, 36, as she reads him an illustrated book about museums.
New pictures show Prince Charles of Luxembourg, seven-months-old, beaming during story time with his mother Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Stephanie, 36
Grand Duchess Stephanie, the wife of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 39, is the patron of the charity.
The beaming prince shows off his newly-acquired front teeth in the photos, adorably dressed in a Ralph Lauren teddy jumper.
At the time of his birth in May, the young Prince could not meet his grandparents Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa because of social distancing measure put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
But intimate pictures shared in June revealed the newest member of the grand ducal family and eventually met his doting grandparents.
Discussing the birth of his son back in May, Prince Guillaume said it was ‘probably the most incredible day that we will have in our life’, adding: ‘To be able to greet the child that comes into one’s life is the most magical thing, parenting, a couple can have.’
Photographs were then shared as the newborn met his grandparents the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa over a video call.