The newborn is second in line to the Grand Duchy’s crown and shares a name with the Prince of Wales: Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume. Due to the current circumstances, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa had to meet their grandson on a video call.
Prince Guillaume introduced his son as the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess beamed.
He spoke to the media outside Grand Duchess Charlotte Maternity Hospital in Luxembourg about the “wonderful day.”
He said that they were thrilled to share their happiness with everyone going through separation from their families due to the coronavirus social distancing.
“A birth is a message of hope. It’s a blessing,” he said.
“I think this is what we’re so happy to be able to share with Luxembourg but also over the borders with all the different countries.”
In a statement posted to the royal family’s official website and on Twitter, the Grand Duke and Duchess said the virtual meeting was “charged with emotion.”
“Time stopped at the Château de Berg during a video call during which the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess had the immense joy of meeting for the first time their grandson: Prince Charles,” a spokesperson wrote.
“A digital meeting, certainly, but charged with emotion!” they said.
Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie first announced they were having a baby in December.
The Marshall of the Court said in a statement: ”Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Duchess are immensely pleased to announce that the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess are expecting Their first child.
“The birth is scheduled for May,
“The Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess and the members of both families are delighted with the news and share their great joy.”
Their joyful news comes just over a year the passing of Guillaume’s grandfather, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg.
The late Grand Duke died in April 2019 at the age of 98.
The Grand Duke abdicated in 2000 in favour of his son Henri.
Guillaume married Stephanie in October 2012 after more than two years of dating.
Amid rumours of a possible pregnancy in 2016, Princess Stephanie told French magazine Point de Vue: “I don’t have any plans to become a mother.
“For the moment, I’m enjoying spending time with my husband.”
Another royal family to welcome a baby amid turbulent times this year are Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun, who had their second child, a baby boy, in March.
Addressing the good news, the royal family said: “While this remains a very happy occasion for the Royal family and the nation and people of Bhutan, Their Majesties wish to remind all
Bhutanese to be mindful, responsible and supportive to each other in the wake of the COVID-19 virus,
“Their Majesties have everyone whose lives have been affected by this global pandemic in their thoughts and prayers.”