HGD Guillaume and Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, Current Events 1: May - October 2012


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Ahhh...thank you Boris!

These two have very quickly become my favorite couple. :p
 
Here's a very recent video of the royal family. Stephanie was accompanying them and although the focus of the video is not on her, she appears for a couple of seconds. She's dressed very casually and in my opinion, she looks better in slacks, a t-shirt and with her hair down than when she does all dressed up. In fact, she looks quite attractive here.

Wort.lu - Hundegebell am großherzoglichen Hof
 
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She looks great and has a really great body !!!!
 

Here are some stills from both events. From the above video and these stills, she definitely feels to be a very sweet young woman who should win the hearts of Luxembourg. She seems so young in these photos. There is a freshness, naturalness and honesty about this couple that is endearing - as well as Guillaume's clear caring for her. Very sweet.

#1: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#2: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#3: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#4: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#5: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#6: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
#7: Guillaume and Stephanie at Family Event
 
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I agree that she looks great in casual clothes--softer, more natural things. And without the high heels (at least not showing). Together she and the HGD look wonderful. What a couple!
 
Countess Stephanie is lovely indeed. Grand Duchess Maria Teresia is a wise woman to welcome and support her daughter-in-laws.
 
Wow! She's so pretty. She has that natural wholesome beauty that some natural beauties have, the type of beauty that is best appreciated when a women is dressed down as she is in those pictures. What a difference from the day that she was presented to the world. That stiff, layered red dress, those heels and the hair combed up, did not bring out the best in her. What were her designers and the Grand Court PR people thinking? She will definitely be a princess that will give the other beautiful princesses of the world a run for their money. She is every much as beautiful as Mary of Denmark and Catherine Middleton of England, both whom I consider pretty princesses. The European magazines will undoubtedly enjoy photographing her. What a handsome couple!
 
I know I might get a bead down for this but I think they are both what I like to call actively unattractive. In that regard they are a great match.

Her clothes today were slightly too tight. I would be mortified to leave the house in a bra and top that gave me the appearance of back fat. She's a thin girl and shouldn't have that problem if wearing well fitting clothes.
 
Stephanie needed better fitting underwear than what she wore with that outfit, but I think she is much prettier than I originally decided. There is something almost fragile about her seen close up, and combined with her voluptuous curves I can see how he became smitten. ;)

As someone on another board very aptly pointed out here is an upper class, cultured young woman, a linguist with a Master's degree educated in Belgium, France and Russia. She doesn't need to be a fashion plate and a whiz with cosmetics like some of these recent women marrying Crown Princes..she is almost undoubtedly aware that who she already is is quite enough. She is the most impressive and accomplished would be Crown Princess in well over a decade, and by marrying her Guillaime is scoring a personal coup not only for himself but for Luxembourg.

What strikes me about them as a couple is the way Guillaume looks at her with such adoration and pride. No matter what people say on the blogoshere, the one person whose opinion really matters seems to think she is perfect. :whistling:
 
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Stephanie needed better fitting underwear than what she wore with that outfit

The obvious, of course - yet the point of that photo was his hand. But it is that very fact, too, the 'mistakes', the whole of the artlessness - the very lack of attention to what we here view as essential - is part of the charm. She's clueless - natural, unaffected - and that's rare. She's not caught up in herself. It's refreshing. We are so accustomed to the 'perfect image' we forget its just a person having an outing with the future in-laws - and I would love to know what Maria-Theresa was saying to the couple, the expression on his and then Stephanie's face, are so curious. :p

but I think she is much prettier than I originally decided. There is something almost fragile about her seen close up, and combined with her voluptuous curves I can see how he became smitten. ;)

That's exactly what I saw in the engagement video, too. One never knows, of course, but there is something kindly about her. Curves ;) and all - she is very endearing.

As someone on another board very aptly pointed out here is an upper class, cultured young woman, a linguist with a Master's degree educated in Belgium, France and Russia. She doesn't need to be a fashion plate and a whiz with cosmetics like some of these recent women marrying Crown Princes..she is almost undoubtedly aware that who she already is is quite enough. She is the most impressive and accomplished would be Crown Princess in well over a decade, and by marrying her Guillaime is scoring a personal coup not only for himself but for Luxembourg.

Well said - and while I agree that who she already is is quite enough I suspect that like with all young brides entering a family - and particularly a royal family - raised to aristocratic sensibilities notwithstanding - it must be an interesting 'fitting in' happening anyway. And Guillaume is hovering close as he should.

What strikes me about them as a couple is the way Guillaume looks at her with such adoration and pride. No matter what people say on the blogoshere, the one person whose opinion really matters seems to think she is perfect. :whistling:

Yes, he is all lit up around her - clearly very proud of her - and she is as clearly relaxed with him. They have very good chemistry imo - it comes through.
 
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As someone on another board very aptly pointed out here is an upper class, cultured young woman, a linguist with a Master's degree educated in Belgium, France and Russia. She doesn't need to be a fashion plate and a whiz with cosmetics like some of these recent women marrying Crown Princes..she is almost undoubtedly aware that who she already is is quite enough. She is the most impressive and accomplished would be Crown Princess in well over a decade, and by marrying her Guillaime is scoring a personal coup not only for himself but for Luxembourg.

What strikes me about them as a couple is the way Guillaume looks at her with such adoration and pride. No matter what people say on the blogoshere, the one person whose opinion really matters seems to think she is perfect. :whistling:

It's amazing what people can read out of a few pictures and videos.
Frankly, if I had only seen the pics/videos so far and not been told that this is a noble, cultured woman I wouldn't guess it. Or let's say: If you would tell me she is from a middleclass family I would believe it. I don't see much difference between her and her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

I don't see why Stephanie is the "most impressive and accomplished would be CP in over a decade" (just because she is a countess?). E.g. her appearance in Stockholm was neither impressive nor very accomplished.

And I sincerely hope she doesn't think that "who she already is is quite enough" because that attitude would make her a very arrogant and stupid soon-to-be CP. There is definitely room for improvement.

I personally don't know yet what to think of her. She is hard to read. She definitely isn't one of those persons I like at first sight. And to me she always seems a bit uncomfortable and too much aware of the press and her "noble" role. (In that respect she actually reminds me of Mary Donaldson pre-wedding.) I always want to say: Relax. Just be yourself.

But I agree that the only thing which really matters in the end is her relationship with Guillaume and his family. They really know her. We only get to see images which can be interpreted in different ways. And some people can "sell" themselves better than others. But according to my experience that doesn't automatically make them better people.
 
The obvious, of course - yet the point of that photo was his hand. But it is that very fact, too, the 'mistakes', the whole of the artlessness - the very lack of attention to what we here view as essential - is part of the charm. She's clueless - natural, unaffected - and that's rare. She's not caught up in herself. It's refreshing. We are so accustomed to the 'perfect image' we forget its just a person having an outing with the future in-laws - and I would love to know what Maria-Theresa was saying to the couple, the expression on his and then Stephanie's face, are so curious. :p


That's exactly what I saw in the engagement video, too. One never knows, of course, but there is something kindly about her. Curves ;) and all - she is very endearing.


Well said - and while I agree that who she already is is quite enough I suspect that like with all young brides entering a family - and particularly a royal family - raised to aristocratic sensibilities notwithstanding - it must be an interesting 'fitting in' happening anyway. And Guillaume is hovering close as he should.


Yes, he is all lit up around her - clearly very proud of her - and she is as clearly relaxed with him. They have very good chemistry imo - it comes through.


I agree completely with both of you about this sweet couple, especially the bolded :flowers:
 
It's amazing what people can read out of a few pictures and videos.
Frankly, if I had only seen the pics/videos so far and not been told that this is a noble, cultured woman I wouldn't guess it. Or let's say: If you would tell me she is from a middleclass family I would believe it. I don't see much difference between her and her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

I don't see why Stephanie is the "most impressive and accomplished would be CP in over a decade" (just because she is a countess?). E.g. her appearance in Stockholm was neither impressive nor very accomplished.

And I sincerely hope she doesn't think that "who she already is is quite enough" because that attitude would make her a very arrogant and stupid soon-to-be CP. There is definitely room for improvement.

I personally don't know yet what to think of her. She is hard to read. She definitely isn't one of those persons I like at first sight. And to me she always seems a bit uncomfortable and too much aware of the press and her "noble" role. (In that respect she actually reminds me of Mary Donaldson pre-wedding.) I always want to say: Relax. Just be yourself.

But I agree that the only thing which really matters in the end is her relationship with Guillaume and his family. They really know her. We only get to see images which can be interpreted in different ways. And some people can "sell" themselves better than others. But according to my experience that doesn't automatically make them better people.

I guess we have different ideas about what it means to be impressive and accomplished. :)

For me, it has little to do with knowing how to walk in platform heels or how to rock a designer outfit...even though those things can come in very handy!:cool:

This girl can handle herself in several languages, including Russian..one of the most difficult languages to learn. She lived and studied there a year. She plays two instruments. She prefers to read the Classics in their original language.

It would not surprise me a bit if she has also picked up Luxembourgish by her wedding day.

She took a Master's Degree in German Philology and Romanticism, not exactly a powder puff course of study..and after graduating with honors she did not move home to her family's 700 year old castle to hang around and wait for a Prince or Noble boyfriend to marry her ...she took prestigious gigs at the Belgian Embassy and an investment firm.

She has volunteered for numerous youth organizations.

And yes, she happens to be a Countess descended from an ancient lineage that once ruled most of Northern France. That's not something she should exactly be ashamed of, imo.

And I am to believe that she is not all that impressive, or looks "middle class" because she appears shy and has underdeveloped fashion sense??

The Gotha has had some very pretty and accomplished Royal CP brides in the recent past but no... I cannot think of one who can match or exceed Stephanie's accomplishments point by point..not one.

You'd have to go all the way back to Masako Owada of Japan in 1990 for that, imo.

Again, Guillaume and the Nassau's have every right to be happy and proud.
 
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^^^^^
That would be my definition of accomplished and impressive as well. By far she seems the best looked future CP prior to marriage than any other only equal to perhaps Mathilde.
 
I completely agree and I thank you for stating facts so well :flowers::flowers::flowers:
I guess we have different ideas about what it means to be impressive and accomplished. :)

For me, it has little to do with knowing how to walk in platform heels or how to rock a designer outfit...even though those things can come in very handy!:cool:

This girl can handle herself in several languages, including Russian..one of the most difficult languages to learn. She lived and studied there a year. She plays two instruments. She prefers to read the Classics in their original language.

It would not surprise me a bit if she has also picked up Luxembourgish by her wedding day.

She took a Master's Degree in German Philology and Romanticism, not exactly a powder puff course of study..and after graduating with honors she did not move home to her family's 700 year old castle to hang around and wait for a Prince or Noble boyfriend to marry her ...she took prestigious gigs at the Belgian Embassy and an investment firm.

She has volunteered for numerous youth organizations.

And yes, she happens to be a Countess descended from an ancient lineage that once ruled most of Northern France. That's not something she should exactly be ashamed of, imo.

And I am to believe that she is not all that impressive, or looks "middle class" because she appears shy and has underdeveloped fashion sense??

The Gotha has had some very pretty and accomplished Royal CP brides in the recent past but no... I cannot think of one who can match or exceed Stephanie's accomplishments point by point..not one.

You'd have to go all the way back to Masako Owada of Japan in 1990 for that, imo.

Again, Guillaume and the Nassau's have every right to be happy and proud.
 
:previous: I agree with Moonmaiden23's post as well. :flowers:

Regarding being photographed - its not a simple 'skill' in this day - that's what I would call it, actually a skill to know how one photographs, one's best colors in what lighting, the best kind of clothes for one's body type/weight - the considerations are not inconsiderable even for someone - like an actress - who gets training in how to approach the paps. In yesteryear the photograph was posed and from the front and there was an enormous respectfulness around people regarding snapping their picture - unspoken sensibilities and codes of politeness were followed. No more. Anything goes - and the change has been within living memory. It really is a predatory profession now.

The Gotha has had some very pretty and accomplished Royal CP brides in the recent past

My day for questions, it seems - what is 'the Gotha'? I've seen this phrase and it puzzles me. Gotha? :ermm:
 
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I guess we have different ideas about what it means to be impressive and accomplished. :)

For me, it has little to do with knowing how to walk in platform heels or how to rock a designer outfit...even though those things can come in very handy!:cool:

This girl can handle herself in several languages, including Russian..one of the most difficult languages to learn. She lived and studied there a year. She plays two instruments. She prefers to read the Classics in their original language.

It would not surprise me a bit if she has also picked up Luxembourgish by her wedding day.

She took a Master's Degree in German Philology and Romanticism, not exactly a powder puff course of study..and after graduating with honors she did not move home to her family's 700 year old castle to hang around and wait for a Prince or Noble boyfriend to marry her ...she took prestigious gigs at the Belgian Embassy and an investment firm.

She has volunteered for numerous youth organizations.

And yes, she happens to be a Countess descended from an ancient lineage that once ruled most of Northern France. That's not something she should exactly be ashamed of, imo.

And I am to believe that she is not all that impressive, or looks "middle class" because she appears shy and has underdeveloped fashion sense??

The Gotha has had some very pretty and accomplished Royal CP brides in the recent past but no... I cannot think of one who can match or exceed Stephanie's accomplishments point by point..not one.


Again, Guillaume and the Nassau's have every right to be happy and proud.

I agree wholeheartedly, moonmaiden23. The more I read about her the more I think she is going to be an amazing Hereditary (and later the proper) Grand Duchess. I would rather someone intelligent and hardworking any day over a fashionista of some kind any day.

However, as a general rule I do feel that just because a lady has not had a successful/respectful solo career before marriage doesn't mean they won't be brilliant in their new role. The Crown Princess of Denmark was a real estate agent for heaven's sake and the Duchess of Cambridge never had what I could call a "proper" job but they both acquit themselves wonderfully as princesses.
 
I'll be the fourth or the fifth to concur with Moonmaiden23 :)

I agree wholeheartedly, moonmaiden23. The more I read about her the more I think she is going to be an amazing Hereditary (and later the proper) Grand Duchess. I would rather someone intelligent and hardworking any day over a fashionista of some kind any day.

However, as a general rule I do feel that just because a lady has not had a successful/respectful solo career before marriage doesn't mean they won't be brilliant in their new role. The Crown Princess of Denmark was a real estate agent for heaven's sake and the Duchess of Cambridge never had what I could call a "proper" job but they both acquit themselves wonderfully as princesses.

:previous:
Mary was never a real estate agent. I really don't understand why Australian and other media can never seem to get her career right. Mary held several account executive/manager positions at prestigious advertising agencies in Melbourne and Sydney right out of uni. At the time of meeting Frederik she was a member of the management team at a real estate firm (which specialised in luxury properties). Nevertheless, nothing to sneeze at IMO. Mary did have a respectful solo career before marriage...
 
:previous:I could have sworn I read somewhere that she worked in real estate, but I am obviously mistaken and will happily be corrected.
 
I agree wholeheartedly, moonmaiden23. The more I read about her the more I think she is going to be an amazing Hereditary (and later the proper) Grand Duchess. I would rather someone intelligent and hardworking any day over a fashionista of some kind any day.

However, as a general rule I do feel that just because a lady has not had a successful/respectful solo career before marriage doesn't mean they won't be brilliant in their new role. The Crown Princess of Denmark was a real estate agent for heaven's sake and the Duchess of Cambridge never had what I could call a "proper" job but they both acquit themselves wonderfully as princesses.
Not to mention princess Diana, who went from being photographed in a see-through skirt before her engagement to really know how to dress and be perfect when photographed.
 
Indeed Stephanie's credentials are impressive. I'm sure that the very demanding late Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte who was so disapproving of Maria Teresa would be happy with Guillaume's choice for royal bride, though her happiness would have more to do with Stephanie's pedigree than with her scholarly accomplishments, since Maria Teresa was also a very accomplished bride. When she married Henri she spoke 5 languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian and a little bit of German, and had a bachelor's degree in Political Science from a prestigious Swiss school. Not to mention volunteer work that she had performed at an old age home in Switzerland. In other words, she was a highly finished young woman from an upper class family.
 
I am an admirer of the late Josephine-Charlotte but her attitude toward Maria-Teresa baffles and saddens me. :sad:

MT has been a magnificent Grand Duchess. She and Henri are living out a great love story with one of the most successful marriages in Royal Europe. Their children are attractive, hardworking and (mostly) scandal-free and are visibly devoted to one another.

And yes, she had a dazzling and impressive resume when she became engaged to Henri. She might have been born a non-Royal but in my opinion she has far outshone many Royal born princesses. She was from a wealthy, solid upper class Catholic family

I find it difficult to understand that JC might have had a problem with her simply because she was Cuban. :ermm:
 
:previous: Regarding being photographed - its not a simple 'skill' in this day - that's what I would call it, actually a skill to know how one photographs, one's best colors in what lighting, the best kind of clothes for one's body type/weight - the considerations are not inconsiderable even for someone - like an actress - who gets training in how to approach the paps.

Boy, isn't that the truth!?!?! I know I'm not exactly the best looking person, and I don't scare myself when I look in the mirror, but I run screaming from having my picture taken. I look awful! Not everyone is photogenic.
 
Stephanie needed better fitting underwear than what she wore with that outfit, but I think she is much prettier than I originally decided. There is something almost fragile about her seen close up, and combined with her voluptuous curves I can see how he became smitten. ;)

As someone on another board very aptly pointed out here is an upper class, cultured young woman, a linguist with a Master's degree educated in Belgium, France and Russia. She doesn't need to be a fashion plate and a whiz with cosmetics like some of these recent women marrying Crown Princes..she is almost undoubtedly aware that who she already is is quite enough. She is the most impressive and accomplished would be Crown Princess in well over a decade, and by marrying her Guillaime is scoring a personal coup not only for himself but for Luxembourg.

What strikes me about them as a couple is the way Guillaume looks at her with such adoration and pride. No matter what people say on the blogoshere, the one person whose opinion really matters seems to think she is perfect. :whistling:

When I first saw Stephanie on the engagement photos, my thoughts were that she looked very innocent and sweet; almost childlike. It is very charming to see in a society where girls are encouraged to look like...well...women of very loose morals that have no respect for themselves. I didn't know how educated she was (since I'm just checking into this part of the forums [sadly haven't ventured anywhere besides the British, Danish and Dutch royals until now]), but this is indeed very impressive. She must be one heck of conversationalist (I'd love to know her views on Russia, since that is my native country, and its' culture and literature). I think she will be a great asset to the Luxembourg, and based on pictures alone, I will venture that her intended does indeed view her as 'perfect for him'. And yes, at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

I guess we have different ideas about what it means to be impressive and accomplished. :)

For me, it has little to do with knowing how to walk in platform heels or how to rock a designer outfit...even though those things can come in very handy!:cool:

This girl can handle herself in several languages, including Russian..one of the most difficult languages to learn. She lived and studied there a year. She plays two instruments. She prefers to read the Classics in their original language.

It would not surprise me a bit if she has also picked up Luxembourgish by her wedding day.

She took a Master's Degree in German Philology and Romanticism, not exactly a powder puff course of study..and after graduating with honors she did not move home to her family's 700 year old castle to hang around and wait for a Prince or Noble boyfriend to marry her ...she took prestigious gigs at the Belgian Embassy and an investment firm.

She has volunteered for numerous youth organizations.

And yes, she happens to be a Countess descended from an ancient lineage that once ruled most of Northern France. That's not something she should exactly be ashamed of, imo.

And I am to believe that she is not all that impressive, or looks "middle class" because she appears shy and has underdeveloped fashion sense??

The Gotha has had some very pretty and accomplished Royal CP brides in the recent past but no... I cannot think of one who can match or exceed Stephanie's accomplishments point by point..not one.

You'd have to go all the way back to Masako Owada of Japan in 1990 for that, imo.

Again, Guillaume and the Nassau's have every right to be happy and proud.

I think my concept of someone who is 'accomplished' coincides with yours. I'm a firm believer in the power of the brain and ability to hold an intelligent conversation not only on a wide range of topics, but also in several languages, if possible (especially if one is going to be leading a life of a prominent public figure and take part in political as well as charitable causes, and possibly on an international level). Her volunteering experience will help her in her future charity work, as well as allow her to perhaps choose her patronages ahead of time and start working relatively soon after the wedding. She strikes me as a woman who was on a right track to a well-rounded life before she became engaged, which ought to be a great help in her future role.
 
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Ah, happely mingling with a woman who is sharing her extremist views in an unorthodox way with the world. I can't imagine my own crown prince being able to that, even when such a woman will be a cousin-by-marriage.
 
Who's extremist and what's are her views?
 
:previous:archduke imre's fiancée Kathleen is an extreme pro-life supporter, who is proud of campaigning in front of Planned Parenthood. she is very vocal about her views.
 
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