Queen Beatrix on Thursday afternoon concluded her state visit to Luxembourg.

The royal standard was lowered at the grand ducal palace shortly after 1300 EST, signalling that the queen was on her way home. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, the heir apparent, took his leave of the queen at the palace; his parents escorted the Dutch monarch to the airport.

“It was really quite remarkable to visit a Luxembourg in the process of renewing itself," the queen said in a short speech she gave just before her departure.

Queen Beatrix expressed admiration for the courageous steps Luxembourg has taken to safeguard its position in the European vanguard. She witnessed an example of the country’s resolve when she visited the grand duchy’s new university, which is determined that at least one of its faculties should rank among the global top 100 within the next few years.

(gsh)

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