Luxembourg Royals at Vatican and a Whole Lotta Lace

I like to think I’m someone who can always find a silver lining in even the grayest cloud. (Everyone who knows me in real, non-blogging life is having a fit of hysterics right now.)

I’d like to draw your attention to a lovely little silver lining in the form of some blue-bloods at Pope Benedict’s last Wednesday Audience. They are HRH Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, his wife HRH Princess Stephanie, and his brother HRH Prince Felix.

Isn’t that lovely!

L to R: Prince Felix, Prince Guillaume, Princess Stephanie (the three young ones in the front row)

Both Guillaume and Felix have met Pope Benedict before, in 2006 when the whole family had a private audience with the Pope. The national Luxembourgish newspaper describes the Grand Ducal family as “devout”. I obviously can’t be the judge of that but I can say that the princess is wearing a very pretty lace mantilla!

Even princes take pics of popes with their iphones…

When Guillaume succeeds his father as Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Princess Stephanie will be granted the privilege du blanc and I’m sure she will have an even prettier white lace mantilla. Yays!

I’ve written about the privilege before on the blog that shall not be named and have just reposted it.  You should give it a read, particularly with a new Pope coming up! I hope we will see this lovely couple at the next Pope’s inauguration. (Oh, I wish it was a proper coronation!)

In the meantime, here are some pics from Stephanie and Guillaume’s wedding last October.

And joy of joys, there’s a lot of lace!! #morelacemoregrace

Stephanie du Lannoy arriving at the Cathedral. The wedding dress, designed by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab, featured an enormous amount of intricate lace fabric.

Stephanie du Lannoy with her eldest brother. She is the youngest of eight.

Stephanie and Guillaume

Stephanie’s dress was designed by Elie Saab and featured a 4-metre (13 feet) train

Stephanie and Guillaime wave to the crowd after emerging from Our Lady of Luxembourg Cathedral

Guillaume and Stephanie kiss on the balcony of the Royal Palace after their wedding