Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde (1894-1924)

[Marengo]

Marie-Adélaïde Thérèse Hilda Wilhelmine, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg (Berg Castle, 14 June 1894 – Hohenburg Castle, 24 January 1924)

Dynasty: Nassau-Weilburg

Reign: 1912 - 1919

Predecessor: Grand Duke Guillaume IV of Luxemburg

Successor: Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg

Parents: Grand Duke Guillaume IV of Luxembourg and Infanta Maria Ana of Portugal

Siblings: Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg; Fürstin Hilda of Schwarzenberg, Crown Princess Antonia of Bavaria; Princess Elisabeth of Thurn und Taxis and Princess Sophie of Saxony

 

[Marengo]

An article from this wikipedia website:

Marie-Adélaïde, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg (Marie-Adélaïde Thérèse Hilda Wilhelmine) (June 14, 1894 – January 24, 1924) was a daughter of Grand Duke Guillaume IV of Luxembourg and Marie Anne of Portugal. Her maternal grandparents were Miguel of Portugal and Adelaide of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.
Eldest of six sisters, she was proclaimed Heir Apparent on July 10, 1907, to solve the succession crisis. Thus, when her father died on February 25, 1912, she became the first reigning Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. She was also the first sovereign of Luxembourg since 1296 to have actually been born within the country.
She was highly interested in politics and took an active part in the government and the political life of the Grand Duchy. During World War I, she enjoyed a rather cordial relationship with the German occupiers, for which she was harshly criticized after the end of the war. Although not having done anything unconstitutional, voices in Parliament began to demand her abdication in January 1919. At the same time, prominent political figures in both neighbouring France and Belgium espoused annexationist plans towards the Grand Duchy and thus had a vested interest in discrediting Marie-Adélaïde. After consulting with the Prime Minister, she abdicated on January 14, 1919, and was succeeded by her younger sister Charlotte.
Marie-Adélaïde entered a convent in Italy, taking the name "Sister Marie of the Poor", and died at Hohenburg Castle of influenza. She is interred in the Ducal Crypt of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the city of Luxembourg.

 

[Marengo]

A picture of the Grand Duchess:

 

[Kotroman]

I'm surprised to see that nobody has said anything about this rather interesting woman. Why do I think thats she is interesting? Because:

* she was 18 when she succeeded to the throne normally reserved for men
* she never married and reigned unmarried for 7 years during World War I, which is strange since a female monarch of that time was surely expected to have a husband during the time of war
* she was forced to abdicate after successfully preserving independence of her tiny and vulnerable country during World War I
* she became a nun and died aged 30.

Wikipedia has a featured article about German occupation of Luxembourg in World War I . It describes Marie-Adélaïde's reign during World War I.

 

[Hereditary Thane]

I am indebted to Marengo for explaining the abdication of Her Grand Ducal Highness Marie-Adelaide. This had remained a puzzle to me for many years during which I had read several authritive accounts of her reign, without any real account of the reasons for her abdication.

 

[magnik]

As a woman she I'm sure was linked with some princes or counts etc.
Who where her eventualy husbands? And why it never worked?
Because of her age or maybe by political resons?

 

[Lalla Meriem]

I am indebted to Marengo for explaining the abdication of Her Grand Ducal Highness Marie-Adelaide. This had remained a puzzle to me for many years during which I had read several authritive accounts of her reign, without any real account of the reasons for her abdication.

The Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde became a Royal Highness in 1908 when she became Hereditary Grand Duchess. Even before the style of Royal Highness was passed on from Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma to his descendants the Grand Duke/Duchess and the Hereditary Grand Duke/Duchess were always Royal Highnesses. Every member of the Grand Ducal Family are styled as Royal Highness now and this is because all the living members of the house are descendants of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma.

Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde may have been an extraordinary women but she was exceptionally unpopular. Had she remained Grand Duchess it is most likely that Luxembourg would not have remained a monarchy (at least not with the Nassau dynasty). Thankfully, her sister recovered the respect of the people and the dynasty survived the referendum.

 

[maria-olivia]

The Grand Duchess Charlotte saved the throne of Luxembourg. She was totally devoted to her family. She paid without complaining and explaining all the debts of her husband Prince Felix, who was a casino-player.
When I lived in Luxembourg I saw her one day with her eldest daughter the Duchess of Hohenberg who was her car driver, visiting an old teacher of her children who was very ill. This lady was my neighbour and she stayed there for a while.
The story of Adelaide and Charlotte was like Lalla Meriem explained very well. It is not because you are the first born that you are a good monarch..

 

[Hereditary Thane]

I am most grateful for the interesting contributions magnik, mari-olivia, and Lalla Meriem have made concerning the Grand Duchy and the Grand Ducal (Royal) family with reference to my enquiry. I stand corrected on the appellation (Royal Highness), the contienetal styles often change when the status changes: I was using the old style (Grand Ducal Highness) which I am now aware is incorrect.

I am still curious as to what defects the Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide exhibited that her government so disapproved of her. Gossip should be treated with disrespect, however I was informed by my great grandfather that at the time it was understood that the Grand Duchess sadly had emotional and personality problems. Had the great lady lived today she would have received help.

 

[Lalla Meriem]

I don't really think that she was disturbed in any way. I feel that at 18 she lacked the necessary skills and training to be a successful grand duchess. She did not rule Luxembourg during a time of peace. If she had it is likely that she would have remained popular.

I did find this mini biography of her online which is much less biased than most. I'm actually looking to purchased a book on her because of this thread I've become more interested in her life. She was certainly unprepared for being Grand Duchess, being the first Catholic monarch in Luxembourg and was definitely taken advantage of politically by members of her government.

 

[Hereditary Thane]

The bibliographical details of the Grand Duchess penned by Edith O'Shaunghessy, and relayed via Eternal Word Television Network is illuminating but perhaps partisan. The chronology and events of the time as reported in this document are illuminating.

I now see (courtesy of Lalla Miriem) that the Grand Duchess was a tragic figure, and not to be vilified as so often appears. I am intrigue that it was a constitutional, political and religious matter and not the failings of a young sovereign. It is indeed time for some scholar to tackle a serious biography of the Grand Duches Marie-Adelaide.

 

[Lalla Meriem]

It's very difficult to find any in depth information on her. I wonder if one were to write a book on her how much cooperation they would receive from the Grand Ducal House. Her life and reign were so short that I wonder if it is even possible to find enough historic documents to write a complete work. I doubt there are many left alive who would even remember her among those who knew her.

If anyone finds any other resources/books on her I'd love to read them.

 

[maria-olivia]

I'm afraid , I lived for many years in Luxembourg, she is completely forgotten such as her sisters. The only one who is still popular is Grand Duchess, Charlotte. She has her monument on an important place. Her husband Prince Felix is completely forgotten to. Young people don't remember old royals but I am surprised what will happen the day the old Grand Duke Jean will die ! He is as or more popular than his son Henri, the actual GD.

 

[magnik]

It's very difficult to find any in depth information on her. I wonder if one were to write a book on her how much cooperation they would receive from the Grand Ducal House. Her life and reign were so short that I wonder if it is even possible to find enough historic documents to write a complete work. I doubt there are many left alive who would even remember her among those who knew her.

If anyone finds any other resources/books on her I'd love to read them.

I think that one of the best source would be her diaries if she write them and diaries/memories of her family. Don't forget about letters too. Did anyone hear something about Luxembourg's GDF diaries or memories? If they were written than why they never were published?

Marengo quote from wikipedia that MA enjoyed a rather cordial relationship with the German occupiers during WWI. Noone never interest why she do that?

 

[White Princess]

I am also a great fan of GD Marie-Adélaïde (how do we pronounce this?) because of her kinda tragic history. A pity that's not too much photos of her, but she remind me of queen Mary I of England, which was also catholic and childless, being succeded by a very popular sister. Charlotte and Elizabeth I are also very similar.

 

[Lalla Meriem]

I am also a great fan of GD Marie-Adélaïde (how do we pronounce this?) because of her kinda tragic history. A pity that's not too much photos of her, but she remind me of queen Mary I of England, which was also catholic and childless, being succeded by a very popular sister. Charlotte and Elizabeth I are also very similar.

This is Adélaïde pronounced by native French speaker (it's French name) I think Marie is pretty easy but if you want to hear it you can search it on same website.

 

[maria-olivia]

It is my last reply ; you may not compare Adelaide with Mary Queen os Scotts.
She was totally impopular and has to abdicate. Her sister Charlotte saved the monarchy. As she was completely out of life and retired as nun even if she wrote her memories, the Royal Court of Luxembourg should never authorised their publication , for the safe of the future of the grand-ducal family. Kind regards

 

[geli]

No more pictures of Marie Adelaide ? She seemed to be a very beautiful and romantic princess. I particularly liked seeing her with her sisters. Thank you in advance for the answer.

 

[magnik]

No more pictures of Marie Adelaide ? She seemed to be a very beautiful and romantic princess. I particularly liked seeing her with her sisters. Thank you in advance for the answer.

Her you go:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsfujita/3231302516/sizes/o/in/set-72157603717753242/
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NJd0pYUa1U0/RigT7RJT5MI/AAAAAAAAA78/NBr3lp6YzLo/s400/Ch._Grieser.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/2346081836_b50823b48a.jpg
http://nostalgie.lu/images/35913157256.JPG
http://nostalgie.lu/popup_image.php?pID=553&osCsid=73c18199d9e9ac3798c67a2d8cf7d05f
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Marie-Ad%C3%A9la%C3%AFde,_Grand_Duchess_of_Luxembourg.jpg/200px-Marie-Ad%C3%A9la%C3%AFde,_Grand_Duchess_of_Luxembourg.jpg
Töchter des Großherzog Wilhelm IV. von Luxemburg on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsfujita/3470116119/sizes/o/in/set-72157603717753242/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsfujita/3454479359/sizes/l/in/set-72157603717753242/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsfujita/3225207582/sizes/l/in/set-72157603717753242/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsfujita/2287998553/sizes/o/in/set-72157603717753242/
Former Grand Duchess Adelheid of Luxemburg lying in state on Flickr - Photo Sharing!



Marie Adelaide von Nassau-Weilburg (1894 - 1924) - Find A Grave Memorial
http://www.ewtn.com/library/HOMELIBR/FR94303.TXT

 

[CyrilVladisla]

Marie-Adelaide's maternal aunt, the Infanta Maria Antonia of Portugal, married Robert I, Duke of Parma. Two of their sons were Prince Sixtus and Prince Xavier. Was Marie-Adelaide engaged to either Sixtus or Xavier?

 

[SydneyLux]

She was never engaged and apparently decided rather early on that she didn't want to marry at all.

Prince Xavier, however, wanted to marry her and proposed a few times both shortly after she became Grand Duchess and then again around the time of her abdication (before and after). He told her that him being an allied soldier would benefit her in the eyes of the foreign powers trying to annex the Grand Duchy and some sources indicate that he even agreed with only getting engaged without ever actually marrying to help her out of her situation. Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide, however, refused any engagement.

 

[CyrilVladisla]

In Italy Marie-Adelaide joined the Carmelites, later the Little Sisters of the Poor.
​

A Tribute to a Grand Grand Duchess
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROMoCrt92Q

 

[Omar_Enrique]

Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde of Luxembourg.

 

[Biri]

Why did she die so young?

 

[Omar_Enrique]

Why did she die so young?

She suffered very much, for her abdicate and political attacks. Her worsed health and she dies for influenza.

 

[Omar_Enrique]

It is my last reply ; you may not compare Adelaide with Mary Queen os Scotts.
She was totally impopular and has to abdicate. Her sister Charlotte saved the monarchy. As she was completely out of life and retired as nun even if she wrote her memories, the Royal Court of Luxembourg should never authorised their publication , for the safe of the future of the grand-ducal family. Kind regards

Do not underestimate Maria Adelaida. She could persist and not abdicate until it was too late, as happened with the Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Thanks to that she understood, she sacrificed her person, to save the grand duchy, in the hands of Charlotte.

Marie Adelaide deserves her name to be rehabilitated, for the History.

 

[Omar_Enrique]

Sweet and elegant Grand Duchess.

 

[Omar_Enrique]

Beautiful and very complete video about the life of the Grand Duchess María Adelaida, based on the book by author Edith O'Shaughnessy.

It will help us to know more about the young, kind and tragic Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.

 

[Blog Real]

The life of this Grand Duchess is very interesting. I didn't know she had died young. She spent the last years of her life in a convent, right?

 

[CyrilVladisla]

The life of this Grand Duchess is very interesting. I didn't know she had died young. She spent the last years of her life in a convent, right?

In Italy Marie-Adelaide joined the Carmelites.