Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, Charlotte Aldegonde Élise Marie Wilhelmine (January 23, 1896 - July 9, 1985) was the second daughter of Grand Duke William IV of Luxembourg. When her older sister Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde, who had succeeded the father, was forced to abdicate on January 14, 1919, Charlotte became the one who had to deal with the revolutionary tendencies in the country. Contrary to her sister, she chose not to meddle with its politics. In a referendum about the new constitution on September 28, 1919, 77.8% of the Luxembourgish people voted for the continuation of a Grand Ducal monarchy with Charlotte as head of state. In this constitution, the power of the monarch was severely restricted. During the German occupation in World War II, Charlotte, exiled in London, became an important symbol of national unity. On November 6, 1919, she married Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma, and they had six children. On November 12, 1964, she abdicated in favour of the eldest, Jean, who had then been regent for three years. Charlotte died on July 9, 1985, from cancer.
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