IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) HAS LEARNT OF THE DEATH OF HRH GRAND DUKE JEAN OF LUXEMBOURG, IOC HONORARY MEMBER IN LUXEMBOURG, AT THE AGE OF 98.
Grand Duke Jean reigned as Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1964 until his abdication in 2000, in favour of his eldest son, Prince Henri.
A true sports fan, who practised riding, fencing, swimming, skiing and tennis, he served the sports movement in Luxembourg with admirable commitment. The Honorary President of the National Olympic Committee of Luxembourg, he was also the patron of several sports federations in the country.
HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg joined the IOC in 1946 and became an Honorary Member in 1998. The Chairman of the IOC Rules Reviewing Commission from 1973 to 1976, he was also a member of the IOC Commission of Enquiry for the Winter Games in 1968 and 1969.
"It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing away of Grand Duke Jean," said IOC President Thomas Bach.
"He was always a very calm and well-balanced person who was highly respected by the entire Olympic Movement because of his integrity. Through this, he was successfully able to mediate between different opinions on numerous occasions, thus contributing greatly to the unity of the IOC."
"I am personally very grateful for all the advice and encouragement he gave to me as a young IOC Member. The IOC will always hold him in the highest honour and with the greatest respect."
HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg dedicated his life to the service of his country: he was a volunteer in the British Army (Irish Guards, armoured division, 1942-1945), Colonel and Assistant Inspector General of the Luxembourg Army (1945-1964); member of the State Council (1951-1961); and Lieutenant Representative of HRH The Grand Duchess Charlotte (1961-1964).
The IOC expresses its deepest sympathies to the Grand Ducal Family at this very sad moment. As a mark of respect and gratefulness to HRH Grand Duke Jean, the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast for three days at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.
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