Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine of Luxembourg, pictured with the UK's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, in 1976.;
Credit: Ron Bell – PA Images//Getty Images
On Tuesday 16 June 2026, the British-Luxembourg Society (BLS), together with the Luxembourg Society in the United Kingdom (UK), announced the establishment of a new educational awards programme, designed to promote enduring links and deepen ties between the UK and Luxembourg.
According to the BLS, the educational award programme is designed to strengthen cultural ties through academic pursuits and artistic endeavours. Up to four awards will be granted annually, with two awards designated for UK residents studying in Luxembourg (H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean Award) and two for Luxembourg residents studying in the UK (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Award). Each award will initially be worth €1,000.
The H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean Award was approved by Grand Duke Henri in 2024, and the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Award was approved by King Charles III earlier this year. The awards are intended to support those undertaking short courses or postgraduate studies, which may be in any subject from the arts, sciences, design, craft or conservation.
“This is the fruit of several years’ work which I have undertaken and developing a lasting framework which we hope will be in place for many years to come.” said Michael-James Clifton, Co-President of the British-Luxembourg Society.
He added: “H.M. the late Queen and H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean through their lives of service personified the bond between the two countries. His Majesty the King’s gracious approval to name the award to the United Kingdom after the late Queen is an exceptional honour. We hope that the Award in honour and memory of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II will maximise the Award’s recognition, and together with H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean Award further strengthen British-Luxembourgish ties long into the future.”
To be eligible for the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Award, applicants must be resident in Luxembourg and have a confirmed place at an accredited educational institution in the UK at the time of the award. They must demonstrate how the award will benefit them, strengthen links between the two countries, and showcase their potential as effective ambassadors. Recipients will be required to submit a report upon completion of their award documenting their experiences and achievements.
To be eligible for H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean Award, applicants must be UK residents, and must demonstrate how the award will benefit them, strengthen links between the two countries and showcase their potential as effective ambassadors. Recipients will be required to submit a report upon completion of their award documenting their experiences and achievements.
Applicants must provide (in English) a CV, information as to residence and a cover letter including the name of two referees. There is a rolling application process and applications may be submitted at any time. Applications and references can be submitted via email: awards@b-l-s.lu
Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Michael-James Clifton said: “We are very keen to advertise the BLS Educational Awards Programme as widely as possible...We have already received our first application for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Award and will be interviewing the candidate soon. Studying abroad teaches many lessons beyond the lecture hall. We hope that recipients of the BLS Educational Awards Programme will return enriched from their cultural engagement in Luxembourg or the UK.“
Caption: Michael-James Clifton, Co-President of the British-Luxembourg Society
Credit: BLS
