Luxembourg’s Grand Duchess Stephanie Joins First Relay for Life Event

Luxembourg’s Grand Duchess Stéphanie took on a recent role Saturday, participating in the annual Relais pour la Vie charity event and officially succeeding her mother-in-law, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, as honorary president of the Fondation Cancer. The event, held at the Coque sports center in Luxembourg City, saw the Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie alongside cancer survivors, caregivers, and participants in the 24-hour fundraising walk.

The Fondation Cancer, established in 1994, supports cancer prevention, screening, and patient care, as well as funding research projects. The Relais pour la Vie is a key fundraising event, with teams of 24 to 48 members relaying around a track for a full day.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa had been a visible supporter of the Fondation Cancer and the Relais pour la Vie for years, and her participation last year was described as particularly poignant, as she has experienced loss within her own family due to the disease. Following the abdication of her husband, Grand Duke Henri, in October 2025, she began transitioning some of her responsibilities to Grand Duchess Stéphanie, including the presidency of the Fondation Cancer.

The transition of roles was formally marked at Saturday’s event, with Grand Duchess Stéphanie taking the symbolic baton from her mother-in-law. The couple greeted children and met with cancer survivors during the launch ceremony. Dr. Carole Bauer, president of the Fondation Cancer, and Claude Wiseler, president of the Chamber of Deputies, were as well in attendance.

The event included a performance by a gymnastics team and a moving “Survivors & Caregivers” lap of honor, where those who have battled cancer and their supporters were recognized and applauded. Grand Duchess Stéphanie presented roses to the survivors as a gesture of support.

The Fondation Grand-Duc Guillaume et Grande-Duchesse Stéphanie, established upon the couple’s accession to the throne, will be taking over all of the social commitments previously held by the Fondation Grand-Duc Henri et Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa. Though, the new foundation will focus its efforts exclusively on Luxembourg, supporting vulnerable populations and promoting social inclusion within the country’s borders. This differs from the previous foundation, which engaged in international initiatives.

The team representing the Grand Ducal Household also participated in the relay, demonstrating the couple’s commitment to the cause. The Grand Duchess’s participation follows her recent engagements, including a visit to Madrid and a look into the humanitarian work of Doctors Without Borders.