Titles, Styles and Names of the Grand Ducal Family

[meeralakshmi]

Is there a reason the children of the one younger son of Charlotte are a prince and princess of Luxembourg but the children of the younger sons of Jean and Henri are princes/princesses of Nassau?

Also I'd appreciate it if you would explain what Jean meant by separating the surname from the title @Tatiana Maria

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Is there a reason the children of the one younger son of Charlotte are a prince and princess of Luxembourg but the children of the younger sons of Jean and Henri are princes/princesses of Nassau?

The children of Grand Duchess Charlotte's younger son Charles were already 27 and 28 years old when Grand Duke Jean issued his 1995 decree restricting the Prince/ss of Luxembourg title to the children of the sovereign and of the presumptive heir, so I imagine Jean thought it would be unfair to demote them at that stage.

Unlike the Scandinavian monarchies with their frequent demotions, Benelux royals have traditionally kept their titles and rank for life (though that changed in the Netherlands with the 2002 reform).

If Felix hadn’t been an HRH in his own right then only the monarch, heir, and their spouses would be HRH while everyone else would be His/Her Grand Ducal Highness. I assume that this is the system Luxembourg will return to following the next grand duchess regnant if her husband isn’t an HRH and/or HIH in his own right.

You’re right that the HRH for cadets was introduced because of Felix, but the new house law issued by Grand Duke Henri in 2012 laid down that future Princes/Princesses of Luxembourg and Princes/Princesses of Nassau will be HRH, even if they descend from a future grand duchess regnant.


See here for the links, texts and English translations of the decrees and house laws concerning the grand-ducal family's titles and surnames since 1986.

Luxembourg Succession & Titles

:previous: Why? All over the world, husbands don't share their wives' titles, so why is it specifically unfair to Alexandra? Even within her own family: Her cousin Marie Christine's husband is still a count (not an archduke) and her cousin Marie-Gabrielle's husband is mr Willms (not HRH prince...

www.theroyalforums.com

 

[meeralakshmi]

The children of Grand Duchess Charlotte's younger son Charles were already 27 and 28 years old when Grand Duke Jean issued his 1995 decree restricting the Prince/ss of Luxembourg title to the children of the sovereign and of the presumptive heir, so I imagine Jean thought it would be unfair to demote them at that stage.

Oh I see, makes sense.

though that changed in the Netherlands with the 2002 reform

I assume this is referring to the royal family vs. the royal house.

You’re right that the HRH for cadets was introduced because of Felix, but the new house law issued by Grand Duke Henri in 2012 laid down that future Princes/Princesses of Luxembourg and Princes/Princesses of Nassau will be HRH, even if they descend from a future grand duchess regnant.

Interesting, as far as I know the reason all male-line descendants of Felix have the style of HRH is because of his title of prince/princess of Bourbon-Parma which is only inheritable through the male line. How did Henri manage to attach HRH to the titles prince/princess of Luxembourg and prince/princess of Nassau?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Interesting, as far as I know the reason all male-line descendants of Felix have the style of HRH is because of his title of prince/princess of Bourbon-Parma which is only inheritable through the male line. How did Henri manage to attach HRH to the titles prince/princess of Luxembourg and prince/princess of Nassau?

See § 4b of the house law:

2012: § 4a and § 4b of the Family Bylaw of the House of Nassau of May 5, 1907, as amended by a Grand-Ducal Decree of June 18, 2012 (page 833)

§ 4a. Titel des Staatschefs und des Thronfolgers.

Der Staatschef trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und die Titel Großherzog oder Großherzogin von Luxemburg, Herzog oder Herzogin zu Nassau (Grand-Duc ou Grande-Duchesse de Luxembourg, Duc ou Duchesse de Nassau), etc., etc.

Die hausrechtsgemäß angeheiratete Gemahlin des Staatschefs trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und die Titel Großherzogin von Luxemburg, Herzogin zu Nassau (Grande-Duchesse de Luxembourg, Duchesse de Nassau), etc., etc. Der hausrechtsgemäß angeheiratete Gemahl der amtierenden Großherzogin trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und die Titel Prinz von Luxemburg, Prinzgemahl (Prince de Luxembourg, Prince Consort).

Das nach Primogeniturrecht zur Thronfolge berufene Hausmitglied (Thronfolger oder Thronfolgerin) trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und die Titel Erbgroßherzog oder Erbgroßherzogin von Luxemburg, Erbprinz oder Erbprinzessin zu Nassau (Grand-Duc Héritier ou Grande-Duchesse Héritière de Luxembourg, Prince Héritier ou Princesse Héritière de Nassau), etc., etc.

Die hausrechtsgemäß angeheiratete Gemahlin des Thronfolgers trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und die Titel Erbgroßherzogin von Luxemburg (Grande-Duchesse Héritière de Luxembourg), Erbprinzessin zu Nassau (Princesse Héritière de Nassau), etc., etc. Im Falle einer Witwenschaft findet § 4b, Abs. 1, Ziff. 1 entsprechende Anwendung. Der hausrechtsgemäß angeheiratete Gemahl der Thronfolgerin trägt das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale) und den Titel Prinz von Luxemburg (Prince de Luxembourg).


§ 4b. Namen und Titel der Mitglieder des Großherzoglichen Hauses und der Großherzoglichen Familie.

Vorbehaltlich der nachstehenden, in Absatz 4 festgelegten Bestimmung, tragen, in den öffentlichen und privaten Handlungen, die sie betreffen, die Mitglieder des Großherzoglichen Hauses (§ 2 Absatz 4) und der Großherzoglichen Familie (§ 2 Absatz 3),

1) die eheliche Nachkommen ersten Grades des Hauschefs sowie des nach Primogeniturrecht zur Thronfolge berufenen Hausmitglieds sind, ferner deren hausrechtsgemäß angeheirateten Gemahlinnen, das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale), ihren Vornamen und den Familiennamen "zu Nassau" ("de Nassau") sowie die Titel Prinz oder Prinzessin von Luxemburg (Prince ou Princesse de Luxembourg), etc., etc.

2) die eheliche männliche Nachkommen zweiten und weiteren Grades des Hauschefs sind, mit Ausnahme der Nachkommen ersten Grades des nach Primogeniturrecht zur Thronfolge berufenen Hausmitglieds (Ziffer 1), ferner deren hausrechtsgemäß angeheirateten Gemahlinnen, das Prädikat Königliche Hoheit (Altesse Royale), ihren Vornamen und den Familiennamen "zu Nassau" ("de Nassau") und die Titel Prinz oder Prinzessin zu Nassau (Prince ou Princesse de Nassau), etc., etc.

3) die eine Ehe geschlossen haben, zu deren Abschluss der Hauschef nicht zugestimmt hat, weiterhin den Familiennamen "zu Nassau" ("de Nassau") sowie ihren angestammten Titel. Die Gemahlinnen und legitimen Nachkommen einer solchen Ehe, tragen ihren Vornamen und den Familiennamen "zu Nassau" ("de Nassau") sowie den Titel Graf oder Gräfin zu Nassau (Comte ou Comtesse de Nassau).

Aus der Führung oder Verleihung eines Prädikats oder eines Titels im Einzelfall können weder Rechte aus der Haus- oder Familienmitgliedschaft noch auf den Konsens zur Ehe hergeleitet werden.

Im Falle einer Ehetrennung (séparation de corps), einer Ehescheidung oder einer Wiederverheiratung nach dem Tod verlieren die Gemahlinnen die ihnen verliehenen Prädikate und Titel.

Im Übrigen tragen die ehelichen Nachkommen der Mitglieder des Großherzoglichen Hauses und der Großherzoglichen Familie den Familiennamen ihres Vaters.
​

Translation

This is principally Luxarazzi's translation, but I have made minor edits for clarity and precision.

§ 4a. Title of the head of state and of the heir to the throne.

The head of state bears the predicate Royal Highness and the title Grand Duke or Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Duke or Duchess of Nassau, etc. etc.

The wife, by marriage according to the house laws, of the head of state bears the predicate Royal Highness and the title Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau, etc. etc. The husband, by marriage according to the house laws, of the ruling Grand Duchess bears the predicate of Royal Highness and the title Prince of Luxembourg, Prince Consort.

The member of the house called upon to succeed to the throne according to the law of primogeniture (heir to the throne or heiress to the throne) bears the predicate Royal Highness and the title Hereditary Grand Duke or Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Hereditary Prince or Hereditary Princess of Nassau, etc. etc.

The wife, by marriage according to the house laws, of the heir to the throne bears the predicate Royal Highness and the title Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Hereditary Princess of Nassau, etc. etc. In case of widowhood §4b (1) 1 is applied. The husband, by marriage according to the house laws, of the heiress to the throne bears the predicate Royal Highness and the title Prince of Luxembourg.


§ 4b. Surname and title of the members of the Grand Ducal House and the Grand Ducal Family.

Subject to the provisions defined in the following paragraph 4, in the public and private acts which concern them, the members of the Grand Ducal House (§ 2 paragraph 4) and the Grand Ducal Family (§ 2 paragraph 3),

1) the first-degree marital descendants of the Head of the House as well as those of the member of the House called upon to succeed to the throne according to the law of primogeniture, and their wives by marriage according to the house laws, bear the predicate Royal Highness, their first name and the family name "of Nassau" and the title Prince or Princess of Luxembourg, etc. etc.

2) the second- and further degree male-line marital descendants of the Head of the House, with the exception of the first-degree descendants of the member of the House called upon to succeed to the throne according to the law of primogeniture (item 1), and their wives by marriage according to the house laws, bear the predicate Royal Highness, their first name and the family name "of Nassau" and the title Prince or Princess of Nassau, etc. etc.

3) those who married without the consent of the Head of the House, continue to bear the family name "of Nassau" as well as their inherited title. The wives and legitimate descendants of this marriage bear their first name and the family name "of Nassau" and the title Count or Countess of Nassau.

Neither rights from membership of the House or Family nor consent to the marriage can be deduced from the use or the conferral of a predicate or title in the individual case.

In case of a [judicial] separation (séparation de corps), a divorce or a remarriage after death [of the spouse], the wives lose the predicate and title conferred upon them.

In all other circumstances, the marital descendants of members of the Grand Ducal House and the Grand Ducal Family bear the family name of their father.
​

 

[meeralakshmi]

See § 4b of the house law:

I understand that the law says that all male-line descendants of the monarch will have the style of HRH whether princes/princesses of Luxembourg or princes/princesses of Nassau. What I don’t understand is how Henri managed to attach HRH to those titles when as far as I know the HRH held by Luxembourgish royals besides the monarch, heir, and their spouses comes from the title prince/princess of Bourbon-Parma.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

I understand that the law says that all male-line descendants of the monarch will have the style of HRH whether princes/princesses of Luxembourg or princes/princesses of Nassau. What I don’t understand is how Henri managed to attach HRH to those titles when as far as I know the HRH held by Luxembourgish royals besides the monarch, heir, and their spouses comes from the title prince/princess of Bourbon-Parma.

Perhaps I don't understand your question? Are you asking why the decision was taken not to restrict the HRH to family members who held the Bourbon of Parma title?

Note that Grand Duke Jean's 1995 decree also specified that Princes and Princesses of Luxembourg or of Nassau were HRHs, without requiring them to also be Princes/ses of Bourbon of Parma, so that decision was already made before Henri's time.

 

[meeralakshmi]

Are you asking why the decision was taken not to restrict the HRH to family members who held the Bourbon of Parma title?

That’s correct.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

That’s correct.

I’m afraid I don’t know the answer.

I have seen comments suggesting some kind of dustup between the Luxembourgs and the Bourbons of Parma over Henri marrying a commoner, but I have no idea whether there is anything to that beyond speculation. Henri married in 1981, so if that were the reason, something would have been done sooner, I would think.

To me it seems more plausible that nobody gave it much thought. When Jean issued his decree in 1995, the succession to the Luxembourg throne was still semi-Salic, with male-line males favored over females and their descendants, and Henri had four sons, so the odds of the throne passing through a woman again must have seemed remote.

Even if Jean and/or Henri did think of it, I can understand retaining the HRH for all future generations of princes and princesses. It has been over a century since the cadet Princesses and Princes of Luxembourg became HRH, and HGDH would be unfamiliar not only to the family but to other countries as well, since no other reigning family uses HGDH.

 

[meeralakshmi]

To me it seems more plausible that nobody gave it much thought. When Jean issued his decree in 1995, the succession to the Luxembourg throne was still semi-Salic, with male-line males favored over females and their descendants, and Henri had four sons, so the odds of the throne passing through a woman again must have seemed remote.

That’s what I’m thinking as well.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Also I'd appreciate it if you would explain what Jean meant by separating the surname from the title @Tatiana Maria

Before I can explain what I meant, it is first necessary to explain the structure of titles and surnames in the Benelux region of Europe. This is often misunderstood, probably because it is so different from the British practice.

In Britain, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Earl or Baron) and a place name or family name. For example, Princess Margaret’s son is known as “The Earl of Snowdon”. “Of Snowdon” is as much a part of his legal title as “The Earl” is. (He also has a legal surname, Armstrong-Jones, but it is not part of his legal title.)

In the Benelux region, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Comte or Baron) only. For example, the Hereditary Grand Duchess was born as a member of the Belgian nobility and was known before marriage as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. In the eyes of the law, her title was simply “Countess,” not “Countess de Lannoy”. “De Lannoy” was her legal surname, not part of her legal title.

(As a side note: Although the legal surname is a different thing than the legal title, the surname and title may nevertheless be connected. The Netherlands and Belgium (I am not sure about Luxembourg) have introduced the general rule that a noble title may not be transmitted without the associated surname. For example, if one of Stéphanie’s brothers gave his children their mother’s surname instead of “de Lannoy”, those children would not inherit the Count title.)


An example from the grand duchy of Luxembourg to illustrate the above: King-Grand Duke Guillaume III’s confirmation of a man’s inheritance of a comital title granted to his father.

http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/argd/1883/02/14/n1/jo

Having regard to the royal decree of 8 May 1830, which conferred on Mr. Mathias Camille Laurent de Villiers, of the castle of Born, the title of count, transmissible to his legitimate male descendants, by order of primogeniture [...]​

Note how the legal title conferred on Mr. de Villiers was “count,” not “count de Villiers”. “De Villiers” was legally his surname, but it was not a part of his title.

 

[meeralakshmi]

Before I can explain what I meant, it is first necessary to explain the structure of titles and surnames in the Benelux region of Europe. This is often misunderstood, probably because it is so different from the British practice.

In Britain, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Earl or Baron) and a place name or family name. For example, Princess Margaret’s son is known as “The Earl of Snowdon”. “Of Snowdon” is as much a part of his legal title as “The Earl” is. (He also has a legal surname, Armstrong-Jones, but it is not part of his legal title.)

In the Benelux region, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Comte or Baron) only. For example, the Hereditary Grand Duchess was born as a member of the Belgian nobility and was known before marriage as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. In the eyes of the law, her title was simply “Countess,” not “Countess de Lannoy”. “De Lannoy” was her legal surname, not part of her legal title.

(As a side note: Although the legal surname is a different thing than the legal title, the surname and title may nevertheless be connected. The Netherlands and Belgium (I am not sure about Luxembourg) have introduced the general rule that a noble title may not be transmitted without the associated surname. For example, if one of Stéphanie’s brothers gave his children their mother’s surname instead of “de Lannoy”, those children would not inherit the Count title.)


An example from the grand duchy of Luxembourg to illustrate the above: King-Grand Duke Guillaume III’s confirmation of a man’s inheritance of a comital title granted to his father.

http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/argd/1883/02/14/n1/jo

Having regard to the royal decree of 8 May 1830, which conferred on Mr. Mathias Camille Laurent de Villiers, of the castle of Born, the title of count, transmissible to his legitimate male descendants, by order of primogeniture [...]​

Note how the legal title conferred on Mr. de Villiers was “count,” not “count de Villiers”. “De Villiers” was legally his surname, but it was not a part of his title.

So the title prince/princess of Nassau is considered connected to the surname de Nassau which is why male consorts aren’t given it because they aren’t changing their surnames.

 

[meeralakshmi]

If a reigning king were to marry a reigning grand duchess what title would he have in Luxembourg? Would they make him grand duke consort in the same way reigning kings who married reigning queens were made king consorts of their wives’ kingdoms? Would he have the style of HM The Grand Duke/Prince Consort of Luxembourg? Or would he just be HRH The Grand Duke/Prince Consort of Luxembourg?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Part 1:

Before I can explain what I meant, it is first necessary to explain the structure of titles and surnames in the Benelux region of Europe. This is often misunderstood, probably because it is so different from the British practice.

In Britain, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Earl or Baron) and a place name or family name. For example, Princess Margaret’s son is known as “The Earl of Snowdon”. “Of Snowdon” is as much a part of his legal title as “The Earl” is. (He also has a legal surname, Armstrong-Jones, but it is not part of his legal title.)

In the Benelux region, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Comte or Baron) only. For example, the Hereditary Grand Duchess was born as a member of the Belgian nobility and was known before marriage as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. In the eyes of the law, her title was simply “Countess,” not “Countess de Lannoy”. “De Lannoy” was her legal surname, not part of her legal title.

(As a side note: Although the legal surname is a different thing than the legal title, the surname and title may nevertheless be connected. The Netherlands and Belgium (I am not sure about Luxembourg) have introduced the general rule that a noble title may not be transmitted without the associated surname. For example, if one of Stéphanie’s brothers gave his children their mother’s surname instead of “de Lannoy”, those children would not inherit the Count title.)


An example from the grand duchy of Luxembourg to illustrate the above: King-Grand Duke Guillaume III’s confirmation of a man’s inheritance of a comital title granted to his father.

http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/argd/1883/02/14/n1/jo

Having regard to the royal decree of 8 May 1830, which conferred on Mr. Mathias Camille Laurent de Villiers, of the castle of Born, the title of count, transmissible to his legitimate male descendants, by order of primogeniture [...]​

Note how the legal title conferred on Mr. de Villiers was “count,” not “count de Villiers”. “De Villiers” was legally his surname, but it was not a part of his title.

Part 2:


Therefore, if somebody thinks along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Count Matthias de Villiers” holds the legal title of Count and the legal surname “de Villiers”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Prince Jean of Luxembourg” holds the legal title of Prince and the legal surname “of Luxembourg”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Jean, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince de Bourbon de Parme” holds the legal title of “Prince” (threefold) and the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau de Bourbon de Parme”.


The last example can be compared to the children of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands:

By Royal Decree, their full legal identity (after their forenames) is “Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe) of Amsberg”.

The Dutch government confirmed that this means their legal surname is “of Orange-Nassau of Amsberg” (in Dutch, “van Oranje-Nassau van Amsberg”).

Meanwhile, their legal title is Count (Countess), and their legal predicate is Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe).

A British person might naturally assume they have the title "Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau" - but that assumption would be incorrect. In Dutch law, the only legal title is "Count (Countess)". Legally, "of Orange-Nassau" belongs to the surname, not to the title.

 

[Somebody]

If a reigning king were to marry a reigning grand duchess what title would he have in Luxembourg? Would they make him grand duke consort in the same way reigning kings who married reigning queens were made king consorts of their wives’ kingdoms? Would he have the style of HM The Grand Duke/Prince Consort of Luxembourg? Or would he just be HRH The Grand Duke/Prince Consort of Luxembourg?

In this day and age, they would be expected to choose between one country or the other...

Nonetheless, in that case his title and style of 'HM King of Country X' would be his highest title and style, so he would be styled as such.

 

[meeralakshmi]

In this day and age, they would be expected to choose between one country or the other...

Nonetheless, in that case his title and style of 'HM King of Country X' would be his highest title and style, so he would be styled as such.

He would have a separate title in Luxembourg as their consort just as his wife would be queen consort of his country and grand duchess of Luxembourg.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Part 1:

Before I can explain what I meant, it is first necessary to explain the structure of titles and surnames in the Benelux region of Europe. This is often misunderstood, probably because it is so different from the British practice.

In Britain, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Earl or Baron) and a place name or family name. For example, Princess Margaret’s son is known as “The Earl of Snowdon”. “Of Snowdon” is as much a part of his legal title as “The Earl” is. (He also has a legal surname, Armstrong-Jones, but it is not part of his legal title.)

In the Benelux region, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Comte or Baron) only. For example, the Hereditary Grand Duchess was born as a member of the Belgian nobility and was known before marriage as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. In the eyes of the law, her title was simply “Countess,” not “Countess de Lannoy”. “De Lannoy” was her legal surname, not part of her legal title.

(As a side note: Although the legal surname is a different thing than the legal title, the surname and title may nevertheless be connected. The Netherlands and Belgium (I am not sure about Luxembourg) have introduced the general rule that a noble title may not be transmitted without the associated surname. For example, if one of Stéphanie’s brothers gave his children their mother’s surname instead of “de Lannoy”, those children would not inherit the Count title.)


An example from the grand duchy of Luxembourg to illustrate the above: King-Grand Duke Guillaume III’s confirmation of a man’s inheritance of a comital title granted to his father.

http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/argd/1883/02/14/n1/jo

Having regard to the royal decree of 8 May 1830, which conferred on Mr. Mathias Camille Laurent de Villiers, of the castle of Born, the title of count, transmissible to his legitimate male descendants, by order of primogeniture [...]​

Note how the legal title conferred on Mr. de Villiers was “count,” not “count de Villiers”. “De Villiers” was legally his surname, but it was not a part of his title.

Part 2:

Therefore, if somebody thinks along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Count Matthias de Villiers” holds the legal title of Count and the legal surname “de Villiers”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Prince Jean of Luxembourg” holds the legal title of Prince and the legal surname “of Luxembourg”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Jean, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon of Parma” holds the legal title of “Prince” (threefold) and the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.


The last example can be compared to the children of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands:

By Royal Decree, their full legal identity (after their forenames) is “Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe) of Amsberg”.

The Dutch government confirmed that this means their legal surname is “of Orange-Nassau of Amsberg” (in Dutch, “van Oranje-Nassau van Amsberg”).

Meanwhile, their legal title is Count (Countess), and their legal predicate is Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe).

A British person might naturally assume they have the title "Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau" - but that assumption would be incorrect. In Dutch law, the only legal title is "Count (Countess)". Legally, "of Orange-Nassau" belongs to the surname, not to the title.

Part 3:

This all may seem like nitpicking. Does it matter which parts are legally titles and which parts are legally surnames? But yes, it matters, because titles are subject to different laws than surnames are.

For example, in Luxembourg law, any child may inherit the surname of their legal father at birth. But an illegitimate child (i.e., a child whose father and mother have never been married to each other) cannot inherit their father’s noble title.


As I said in Part 2:

Therefore, if somebody thinks along the lines of Benelux legal customs: […]

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Jean, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon of Parma” holds the legal title of “Prince” (threefold) and the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.​

Now imagine this “Jean” has an illegitimate daughter. We will call her “Marie-Gabrielle”. If people continue to think along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle did not inherit her father’s titles of Prince (Princess) due to her illegitimacy.

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle nevertheless inherited her father’s surname, as do most illegitimate children in Luxembourg.

- For the reasons explained in Parts 1 and 2, they would naturally assume that Jean’s surname is “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

- As a result, they would naturally assume that the full legal name of Jean’s illegitimate daughter is “(Miss) Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

 

[meeralakshmi]

Now imagine this “Jean” has an illegitimate daughter. We will call her “Marie-Gabrielle”. If people continue to think along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle did not inherit her father’s titles of Prince (Princess) due to her illegitimacy.

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle nevertheless inherited her father’s surname, as do most illegitimate children in Luxembourg.

- For the reasons explained in Parts 1 and 2, they would naturally assume that Jean’s surname is “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

- As a result, they would naturally assume that the full legal name of Jean’s illegitimate daughter is “(Miss) Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

I believe that Marie-Gabrielle was born Marie-Gabrielle de Nassau, did she have her father’s other surnames?

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Part 1:

Before I can explain what I meant, it is first necessary to explain the structure of titles and surnames in the Benelux region of Europe. This is often misunderstood, probably because it is so different from the British practice.

In Britain, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Earl or Baron) and a place name or family name. For example, Princess Margaret’s son is known as “The Earl of Snowdon”. “Of Snowdon” is as much a part of his legal title as “The Earl” is. (He also has a legal surname, Armstrong-Jones, but it is not part of his legal title.)

In the Benelux region, most titles legally consist of a rank (e.g., Comte or Baron) only. For example, the Hereditary Grand Duchess was born as a member of the Belgian nobility and was known before marriage as Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. In the eyes of the law, her title was simply “Countess,” not “Countess de Lannoy”. “De Lannoy” was her legal surname, not part of her legal title.

(As a side note: Although the legal surname is a different thing than the legal title, the surname and title may nevertheless be connected. The Netherlands and Belgium (I am not sure about Luxembourg) have introduced the general rule that a noble title may not be transmitted without the associated surname. For example, if one of Stéphanie’s brothers gave his children their mother’s surname instead of “de Lannoy”, those children would not inherit the Count title.)


An example from the grand duchy of Luxembourg to illustrate the above: King-Grand Duke Guillaume III’s confirmation of a man’s inheritance of a comital title granted to his father.

http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/argd/1883/02/14/n1/jo

Having regard to the royal decree of 8 May 1830, which conferred on Mr. Mathias Camille Laurent de Villiers, of the castle of Born, the title of count, transmissible to his legitimate male descendants, by order of primogeniture [...]​

Note how the legal title conferred on Mr. de Villiers was “count,” not “count de Villiers”. “De Villiers” was legally his surname, but it was not a part of his title.

Part 2:

Therefore, if somebody thinks along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Count Matthias de Villiers” holds the legal title of Count and the legal surname “de Villiers”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Prince Jean of Luxembourg” holds the legal title of Prince and the legal surname “of Luxembourg”.

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Jean, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon of Parma” holds the legal title of “Prince” (threefold) and the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.


The last example can be compared to the children of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands:

By Royal Decree, their full legal identity (after their forenames) is “Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe) of Amsberg”.

The Dutch government confirmed that this means their legal surname is “of Orange-Nassau of Amsberg” (in Dutch, “van Oranje-Nassau van Amsberg”).

Meanwhile, their legal title is Count (Countess), and their legal predicate is Jonkheer (Jonkvrouwe).

A British person might naturally assume they have the title "Count (Countess) of Orange-Nassau" - but that assumption would be incorrect. In Dutch law, the only legal title is "Count (Countess)". Legally, "of Orange-Nassau" belongs to the surname, not to the title.

Part 3:

This all may seem like nitpicking. Does it matter which parts are legally titles and which parts are legally surnames? But yes, it matters, because titles are subject to different laws than surnames are.

For example, in Luxembourg law, any child may inherit the surname of their legal father at birth. But an illegitimate child (i.e., a child whose father and mother have never been married to each other) cannot inherit their father’s noble title.


As I said in Part 2:

Therefore, if somebody thinks along the lines of Benelux legal customs: […]

- They would naturally assume that a person known as “Jean, Prince of Luxembourg, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon of Parma” holds the legal title of “Prince” (threefold) and the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.​

Now imagine this “Jean” has an illegitimate daughter. We will call her “Marie-Gabrielle”. If people continue to think along the lines of Benelux legal customs:

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle did not inherit her father’s titles of Prince (Princess) due to her illegitimacy.

- They would assume Marie-Gabrielle nevertheless inherited her father’s surname, as do most illegitimate children in Luxembourg.

- For the reasons explained in Parts 1 and 2, they would naturally assume that Jean’s surname is “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

- As a result, they would naturally assume that the full legal name of Jean’s illegitimate daughter is “(Miss) Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

Part 4:

At one point, the “Prince Jean has an illegitimate daughter” scenario was not hypothetical, but real.

Grand Duke Jean’s second son, Prince Jean, had his first child, Marie-Gabrielle, born out of wedlock on September 8, 1986. The mother of Marie-Gabrielle was Prince Jean’s French girlfriend Hélène Vestur. They did not marry until their daughter was eight months old.


As explained in Parts 1-3: If the family had simply followed the legal customs of Luxembourg (and the Benelux region in general), Marie-Gabrielle would have been born as Miss Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma. She would have been untitled due to being born out of wedlock, but would have carried the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

But Grand Duke Jean evidently didn’t want Prince Jean’s out-of-wedlock child to have “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma” as her legal surname. His Grand-Ducal Decree ensured that did not happen.


On July 28, 1986, when Hélène Vestur was in the final weeks of her pregnancy, Grand Duke Jean signed a Grand-Ducal Decree which read:

“Grand-Ducal Decree of 28 July 1986 concerning the family name of the Princes and Princesses of Luxembourg

In the public and private acts relating to them, the Princes and Princesses, issuing in direct and male-line descendance from the Sovereign and born from a marriage contracted with His consent, carry the title of Princes and Princesses of Luxembourg, following their forenames and preceding the mention of their family name “Nassau”.

The princesses united with the princes of Our Grand-Ducal House by a marriage concluded with the consent of the Sovereign will be referred to in the same manner, following their own forenames, titles and family names.”

https://sip.gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/publications/bulletin/1986/BID_1986_6/BID_1986_6.pdf​

The first paragraph of the decree applied to Prince Jean.

A key phrase is “the title of Prince[...] of Luxembourg”. This phrase clarified that “Prince of Luxembourg” should be construed as a title – not, as custom would have it, a combination of the title “Prince” and the surname “of Luxembourg”.

By declaring that “of Luxembourg” was part of Prince Jean’s title, not part of his surname, the decree ensured that Prince Jean’s illegitimate child could not be called “of Luxembourg”, since illegitimate children do not inherit titles. It seems that is how Grand Duke Jean wanted it.


However, Prince Jean’s untitled child would require a surname. It was not possible to use her mother’s surname of Vestur or to invent a new surname: As of 1986, the civil codes in Luxembourg and France required newborn children to take their father’s legal surname, even if their parents were unmarried.

The decree resolved this issue by stipulating that Prince Jean carried the “family name ‘Nassau’”. Because this “Nassau” was legally a surname, rather than part of a title, Prince Jean’s illegitimate child was capable of inheriting it. Indeed, seven weeks later she was born as “(Miss) Marie-Gabrielle Nassau.”


(Two decades later, when Prince Louis was expecting an illegitimate child in 2006, Grand Duke Henri issued another decree to amend the legal family name from “Nassau” to “of Nassau”.)


I hope this series of posts explains what I meant by Grand Duke Jean separating the surname from the title, the effects the 1986 grand-ducal decree, and why it was necessary to issue the decree so that Marie-Gabrielle would be born as “Marie-Gabrielle Nassau”. Questions and comments are welcome.

 

[meeralakshmi]

Part 1:




Part 2:




Part 3:




Part 4:

At one point, the “Prince Jean has an illegitimate daughter” scenario was not hypothetical, but real.

Grand Duke Jean’s second son, Prince Jean, had his first child, Marie-Gabrielle, born out of wedlock on September 8, 1986. The mother of Marie-Gabrielle was Prince Jean’s French girlfriend Hélène Vestur. They did not marry until their daughter was eight months old.


As explained in Parts 1-3: If the family had simply followed the legal customs of Luxembourg (and the Benelux region in general), Marie-Gabrielle would have been born as Miss Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma. She would have been untitled due to being born out of wedlock, but would have carried the legal surname “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma”.

But Grand Duke Jean evidently didn’t want Prince Jean’s out-of-wedlock child to have “of Luxembourg of Nassau of Bourbon of Parma” as her legal surname. His Grand-Ducal Decree ensured that did not happen.


On July 28, 1986, when Hélène Vestur was in the final weeks of her pregnancy, Grand Duke Jean signed a Grand-Ducal Decree which read:

“Grand-Ducal Decree of 28 July 1986 concerning the family name of the Princes and Princesses of Luxembourg​

​

In the public and private acts relating to them, the Princes and Princesses, issuing in direct and male-line descendance from the Sovereign and born from a marriage contracted with His consent, carry the title of Princes and Princesses of Luxembourg, following their forenames and preceding the mention of their family name “Nassau”.​

​

The princesses united with the princes of Our Grand-Ducal House by a marriage concluded with the consent of the Sovereign will be referred to in the same manner, following their own forenames, titles and family names.”​

​

https://sip.gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/publications/bulletin/1986/BID_1986_6/BID_1986_6.pdf​

The first paragraph of the decree applied to Prince Jean.

A key phrase is “the title of Prince[...] of Luxembourg”. This phrase clarified that “Prince of Luxembourg” should be construed as a title – not, as custom would have it, a combination of the title “Prince” and the surname “of Luxembourg”.

By declaring that “of Luxembourg” was part of Prince Jean’s title, not part of his surname, the decree ensured that Prince Jean’s illegitimate child could not be called “of Luxembourg”, since illegitimate children do not inherit titles. It seems that is how Grand Duke Jean wanted it.


However, Prince Jean’s untitled child would require a surname. It was not possible to use her mother’s surname of Vestur or to invent a new surname: As of 1986, the civil codes in Luxembourg and France required newborn children to take their father’s legal surname, even if their parents were unmarried.

The decree resolved this issue by stipulating that Prince Jean carried the “family name ‘Nassau’”. Because this “Nassau” was legally a surname, rather than part of a title, Prince Jean’s illegitimate child was capable of inheriting it. Indeed, seven weeks later she was born as “(Miss) Marie-Gabrielle Nassau.”


(Two decades later, when Prince Louis was expecting an illegitimate child in 2006, Grand Duke Henri issued another decree to amend the legal family name from “Nassau” to “of Nassau”.)


I hope this series of posts explains what I meant by Grand Duke Jean separating the surname from the title, the effects the 1986 grand-ducal decree, and why it was necessary to issue the decree so that Marie-Gabrielle would be born as “Marie-Gabrielle Nassau”. Questions and comments are welcome.

Makes sense, thank you for explaining.

 

[RosieStroud]

Excellent explanation as usual, thank you.

 

[Glasshouse]

There are exceptions to the “of X” titles in Great Britain. Most notably the Earl Spencer, the title currently held by Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer.

 

[meeralakshmi]

There are exceptions to the “of X” titles in Great Britain. Most notably the Earl Spencer, the title currently held by Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer.

Sometimes a peerage will match the holder’s surname and sometimes it won’t.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Makes sense, thank you for explaining.

You’re very welcome, and thank you for always asking the thoughtful questions.

By the way, many of the dynamics mentioned in those posts are not unique to Luxembourg. Now that many countries’ civil laws allow any child (commoner or noble, illegitimate or legitimate) to inherit the legal surname of their father/parent, various monarchs are striving to clearly differentiate surnames from titles – because those monarchs exercise some authority over who may or may not inherit a title, but they cannot obstruct someone from inheriting their father’s surname. (On the flip side, family members who resent the monarch’s attempts to restrict titles will often fight back by blurring the line between titles and names.)

Excellent explanation as usual, thank you.

My pleasure! Thank you for your very kind words.

Disclaimer: Grand Duke Jean apparently did not provide a public comment to explain himself, so strictly speaking, anything I said about his motivations is conjecture. But considering that the only change his decree made to preexisting customs was to separate the title from the surname, that Marie-Gabrielle was the only person immediately affected by the change, and that the decree was issued shortly before her birth, the conclusion seems clear.

There are exceptions to the “of X” titles in Great Britain. Most notably the Earl Spencer, the title currently held by Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer.

See here for continued discussion about British titles :

Questions about British Styles and Titles 3: Aug 2023 -

Frankly I can’t see it. Perhaps Beatrice might agree but Eugenie, no. And in ten to fifteen years the two York princesses will be in their mid to late 40s. British commentators and others have commented on the ageing Royal family, so the impression is that, image-wise at least, it’s youth that’s...

www.theroyalforums.com

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Interestingly, the way they addressed Marie-Christine also changed from S.A.I.R. la Comtesse Marie-Christine de Limburg-Stirum to S.A.I.R. l'Archiduchesse Marie-Christine d'Autriche.

And recently they addressed her mother as S.A.R la Princesse Marie-Astrid (a change from the previous S.A.I.R. l'Archiduchesse Marie-Astrid d'Autriche).

40e anniversaire de l’Accord de Schengen | Cour grand-ducale

Site officiel de la famille grand-ducale luxembourgeoise, le rôle de Chef de l'Etat du Grand-Duc.

monarchie.lu

From the communications I have seen, it appears the grand-ducal court has, for a long time, imposed a uniform style on most married women. The title and naming customs of the country where she lives, and the woman’s own usage of names and titles, appear to be a matter of indifference.

The grand-ducal court has gone from addressing most married women by their husband’s forename, surname and title, to addressing most married women by their own forename with their husband’s surname and title, to addressing most married women by their own forename and (maiden) surname and title. (That does not apply to women who become queens or princesses of reigning families by marriage; they are still addressed with their husbands’ titles by the grand-ducal court.)

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Sorry, I haven't followed the discussion but what are the consequences of violating the House Law ? Certainly the House Law is not applicable in the United Kingdom and has no bearing on British naming law.

I think Grand Duke Henri would dispute that his house laws are "certainly not applicable in the United Kingdom". I'll elaborate on that in the thread on the house laws.

Family Bylaws Concerning the House Law of the House of Luxembourg-Nassau

Grand Ducal Decree of 18 June 2012 We Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Duke of Nassau, after inspection of the “Nassauischer Erbverein” of June 30th, 1783, in its current form of June 11th, 2012, after inspection of the family bylaw concerning the house law of May 5th, 1907, with its following...

www.theroyalforums.com