You might still remember him from Luxembourgish coins. Previous Grand Duke Jean on Thursday celebrated his 91st birthday.

He was born on January 5th 1921, son of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix. In 1939 he was named as heir to the throne, just a year later though, he was forced to flee to Quebec as World War Two broke out in Europe and the Nazis invaded Luxembourg.

During his time in Canada he joined the Irish Guards regiment and in 1944 he took part in the Allied landing in Normandy. Naturally, he and his father were part of the troops that eventually liberated Luxembourg. For his courage on the battlefield Grand Duke Jean was rewarded the US military Silver Star medal.

In 1953 he married Belgian princess Josephine-Charlotte, with whom he had five children, the eldest being current head of state Grand Duke Henri.

In November 1964 he took over the royal throne from his mother and was Grand Duke until 2000, when he stepped down to make way for his son Henri.

The whole team at news352 wishes Grand Duke Jean all the best for his 91st birthday