Jean

Related Category: Benelux History: Biographies

(zhäN), 1921–, grand duke of Luxembourg (1964–2000); son of Charlotte, grand duchess of Luxembourg, and Felix, prince of Bourbon-Parma. He fought with Great Britain's Irish Guards in World War II. In 1953, Jean married Princess Josephine Charlotte, daughter of Leopold III, former king of Belgium. Jean was made deputy to his mother in 1961, virtually assuming the powers of head of state. In 1964 he became grand duke. He abdicated in favor of his son Henri in 2000.