Luxembourg · Château de Berg

The complex referred to in the Official Journal as “Residenz Schlossberg” is Schloss Berg, known in French as Château de Berg, in the municipality of Colmar-Berg in central Luxembourg. The name therefore does not refer to a castle hill, but to a grand ducal residence. Schloss Berg serves as the principal residence of the Grand Duke and his family. It should be distinguished from the Grand Ducal Palace (Großherzoglicher Palast) in the capital, which is used primarily for official business, receptions and state ceremonies.

The estate has been associated with the Luxembourg ruling house since the mid-19th century. The present castle was built at the beginning of the 20th century in place of an older building. During the German occupation of Luxembourg in the Second World War, the complex was confiscated. After the end of the war, it once again came into use by the grand ducal family and was restored. As a permanently inhabited residence, Schloss Berg represents the private and dynastic side of the monarchy, while the palace in the capital forms its public and governmental centre.

Henri was born in 1955 as the eldest son of the future Grand Duke Jean and the Belgian Princess Joséphine-Charlotte. In 2000, following his father’s abdication, he assumed the office of Grand Duke. Luxembourg is a parliamentary monarchy; the Grand Duke is the head of state, but his duties and powers are limited by the constitution and the parliamentary system of government. His functions include formal participation in state procedures as well as representational duties at home and abroad.

The issue was apparently not tied to a round-number anniversary of the castle or the Grand Duke. Rather, it belongs to the Luxembourg commemorative coins that link the head of state with places and institutions of the monarchy. Following an issue dedicated to the Grand Ducal Palace (Großherzoglicher Palast), another residence of the ruling house was thus placed at the centre.