90th Anniversary of Grand Duchess Charlotte's Accession to the Throne

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Charlotte in double portrait, both facing left. The country name "LËTZEBUERG" and the year "2009", flanked by the mintmaster's and mint marks, are struck vertically on the right side of the inner field.

In 2012 a retrospective set was issued comprising the Luxembourg €2 commemorative coins of 2009–2012 (LU-09 G1, LU-09 G2, LU-10 G1, LU-11 G1, LU-12 G1, LU-12 G2).

When Charlotte of Luxembourg ascended the throne on 15 January 1919, the Grand Duchy stood at a crossroads: shortly before, the population had confirmed the monarchy in a referendum and recognised Charlotte as head of state - a direct mandate from the people that gave her reign a particular democratic foundation. Under her leadership, Luxembourg transformed from a neutral small state into a self-confident member of the European community of nations. Its alignment with the West - first the economic union with Belgium (BLEU, 1921), later membership of NATO and a founding role in the European Communities - fell within her reign and was actively supported by her.

During the Second World War, Charlotte left Luxembourg after the German occupation in 1940 and led the government-in-exile from London. Her radio addresses to the Luxembourg population strengthened national cohesion under difficult circumstances and established her role as a national symbol. After liberation in 1944, she returned and reigned until her abdication in favour of her son Jean in 1964. To mark the 90th anniversary of her accession to the throne, Luxembourg issued a 2-euro commemorative coin in 2009 showing Grand Duchess Charlotte alongside the reigning Grand Duke Henri - two generations of a house that has shaped the history of modern Luxembourg.