Grand Duke Jean has died at the age of 98 with his family at his bedside. He had recently been admitted to hospital suffering from a pulmonary infection.

Grand Duke Henri announced the death of his father in a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of my beloved father, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean, who has passed away in peace, surrounded by the affection of his family.”

The late Grand Duke pictured in a photo released for his 98th birthday in January. © Grand Ducal Court / Vic Fischbach

It was said at the time that he was admitted for observation, however, on Easter Sunday a further statement was released saying that the former monarch’s health had severely worsened.

The World War Two veteran is survived by his five children, 21 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandchild, Prince Leopold of Liechtenstein, and his wife of almost 52 years, Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte.

Grand Duke Jean was a beloved member of the Grand Ducal Family and was known for his gentle nature and warmth.

The former reigning Grand Duke just celebrated his 98th birthday in January of this year.

He was last seen in public in a wheelchair at the funeral for his younger sister, Princess Alix on 16 February. She died at the age of 89 on 11 February 2019, and her funeral was held at the Château de Beloeil in Belgium. No cause of death was given.

Jean graduated from Sandhurst in 1943 and participated in the D Day landings. He was also part of the liberation of Luxembourg from Nazi Germany.

Grand Duke Jean was the father of Grand Duke Henri who currently sits on the throne of Luxembourg. Jean abdicated in favour of his eldest son in October 2000. He had been on the throne for nearly 36 years at the time of the abdication.

Jean Benoît Guillaume Robert Antoine Louis Marie Adolphe Marc d’Aviano was born on 5 January 1921 as the eldest child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix.

Jean married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium in 1953, and together, they had five children (Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria, Grand Duke Henri, Prince Jean, Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein, and Prince Guillaume).

Joséphine-Charlotte died at her home in 2005 after several years battling lung cancer. She was 77.