Grand Duke Henri, pictured here in February 2020, made the appointment in consultation with the government. Romain Gamba / Maison Moderne Publishing SA

Grand Duke Henri, pictured here in February 2020, made the appointment in consultation with the government.  Romain Gamba / Maison Moderne Publishing SA

Grand Duke Henri has appointed former diplomat Paul Dühr as the new Maréchale de la Cour.

The position of Maréchale de la Cour (lord chamberlain), the supervisor of the royal household and an important advisor to the head of state, had been vacant since previous incumbent at the start of January. She had been at the court a little over 18 months after previously serving as the European Commission’s representation to Luxembourg.

Following consultation with the government, the grand duke on Friday morning announced that Paul Dühr as Backes’ successor.

Dühr, who will take up his duties on 20 April, is a former member of the diplomatic corps. He was ambassador to France among other appointments. In a statement issued on Friday morning, the court said Dühr’s “experience and skills acquired over a long career in positions of responsibility in Luxembourg as well as abroad, will be used to take charge of the grand-ducal household.”