Sun shines on royal garden party

(CS) The sun was out on Thursday evening as the Luxembourg Grand Ducal family opened the doors of their residence in Colmar Berg for their annual summer garden party.

Following the official handshakes inside, guests mingled in the castle's garden. Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie, as well as Princess Tessy and Princess Alexandra welcomed the guests.

After a busy start to the week with plenty of official National Day events and reception, the Grand Duchess made use of a little chair to rest her knee. Maria Teresa underwent knee surgery earlier this year.

A second garden party is scheduled for Friday evening.

Among the guests are representatives from Luxembourg industry, the financial centre, commerce, insurance and trade, as well as the country's unions and professional chambers, and the EU. Also on the guest list are members of different faith groups, rerpresentatives of the charitable, cultural and education sectors, the judiciary, the army and police, as well as high-level civil servants.