Two Irish Guards pipers stand next to British ambassador to Luxembourg John Marshall, 13 June 2019 British Embassy Luxembourg

Two Irish Guards pipers stand next to British ambassador to Luxembourg John Marshall, 13 June 2019 British Embassy Luxembourg

Hosted at the British embassy residence, rain drove the guests indoors for the first hour during which ambassador John Marshall described the monarch as “admirable and indefatigable”, referring to her recent service welcoming US president Donald Trump during his state visit, and participating in the D-Day commemorations.

“I was delighted that Luxembourg’s prime minister, Xavier Bettel, was able to participate in the event and also to meet the queen,” Marshall said.

Marshall also paid tribute to Luxembourg’s late former head of state, Grand Duke Jean, who died on 23 April 2019 at the age of 98. He recalled how he had studied at Ampleforth College, in the UK, before volunteering with the Irish Guards, serving with them during the last years of the second world war, “including in the Normandy landings, the battle of Caen and the liberation of Brussels.”

He also served as colonel of the Irish Guards from 1984 to 2000, during which time he participated in the Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s annual birthday parade.

“I know that Grand Duke Jean valued hugely this relationship,” Marshall said. At the Grand Duke’s funeral, on 4 May, two Irish Guards pipers played in the cathedral. The same pipers returned to Luxembourg for this reception, and performed “Highland Cathedral” following the ambassador’s speech.