On March 5, the Spanish royal palace in Madrid played host to a meeting of two European royal couples marking a new chapter for Luxembourg’s monarchy.
As Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg continues settling into his role after ascending the throne last October, the visit also offered an opportunity for his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, to step confidently into her evolving position on the international stage.
The Luxembourg royals were welcomed at the palace by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during Stéphanie and Guillaume’s first official trip to Spain since the succession.
The gathering included a meeting between the two delegations followed by a lunch, offering the couples a chance to reconnect more than a decade after Felipe and Letizia traveled to Luxembourg in November 2014.
© Europa Press EntertainmentThe two-day trip to Madrid carried diplomatic significance for Luxembourg’s newly installed sovereigns, but it also highlighted Stéphanie’s growing presence as a royal figure.
Having spent more than ten years as Hereditary Grand Duchess before Guillaume took the throne in October 2025, she is already familiar with the rituals of state visits and palace ceremonies. Still, the visit to Spain marked one of her earliest international engagements since becoming Grand Duchess.
© Europa Press EntertainmentFor the occasion, Stéphanie delivered a polished fashion moment that balanced elegance with subtle symbolism. She wore a savannah green silk jumpsuit designed by Elie Saab, pairing the flowing piece with a coordinated selection of heirloom jewels from Luxembourg’s grand ducal collection.
The standout accessories came from the family’s historic citrine and pearl parure. The Grand Duchess wore the set’s matching earrings and bracelet, allowing the warm orange tones of the citrine stones to stand out against the deep green of her outfit.
© Europa Press EntertainmentThe jewels themselves carry a long and somewhat mysterious history within the House of Nassau. Often referred to as the Luxembourg citrine and pearl bandeau set, the ensemble includes a tiara, earrings, bracelet and a gold necklace with interchangeable pendants.
Though the precise origin of the jewels remains unknown, they first appeared publicly in 1976 when they were worn by Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg. Since then, the striking citrine stones have become closely associated with the Luxembourg royal family.
© Europa Press EntertainmentHistorians believe the warm orange color of the gems may hold symbolic meaning. Citrine’s hue is often linked to the House of Nassau and may reference the Order of the Golden Lion of the House of Nassau, one of the dynasty’s most prestigious honors.
For Stéphanie, the jewels are far from new territory. The Grand Duchess first wore them in 2013 at the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O’Neill, an event that brought together royalty from across Europe. She later chose the same pieces during the Belgian state visit to Luxembourg in 2019, and again for the country’s New Year’s Day celebrations in January 2025.
© Europa Press EntertainmentThat legacy of aristocracy, diplomacy and tradition appears to echo in Stéphanie’s modern royal role. As she continues to accompany Guillaume on high-profile visits abroad, the Grand Duchess is steadily shaping her own identity within Luxembourg’s monarchy.
And if her appearance in Madrid was any indication, she understands that royal style is never just about fashion. Sometimes, it is also about history, symbolism and the quiet power of a well-chosen jewel.
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