British Embassy Luxembourg

Continuing her journey to discover Luxembourg through its communes, the Ambassador had the pleasure of visiting the picturesque town of Vianden.

She was warmly welcomed by Mayor Weyrich François, Town Councillor André Dübbers, and Town Secretary Pol Schaus, and learned more about the town’s unique character and priorities. With just over 2,000 inhabitants, Vianden welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year, a testament to its remarkable charm and cultural significance.

At the iconic Vianden Castle, which draws visitors from around the world, it was easy to see why Victor Hugo chose to spend part of his exile here. At the Victor Hugo Museum, she followed in his footsteps, taking in the very views that once inspired him.

The visit also offered a moment of reflection on Vianden’s wartime history. In November 1944, members of the Luxembourg resistance successfully defended the castle against an attack by Waffen-SS forces. The battle stands as a powerful example of courage and determination in the face of occupation.

Looking to the future, the Ambassador was particularly impressed by the construction of Vianden’s new youth hostel, set to open in October within the historic priory. This exciting project will offer visitors of all backgrounds the opportunity to stay in a unique heritage setting, combining accessibility, inclusivity, and a tangible connection to history.

Ambassador Joanne Olivier recently visited the historic city of Wiltz.

She was warmly welcomed at the beautiful Town Hall by Mayor Patrick Comes, Communal Secretary Francine Hahn, and Alderman Michael Schenk, and gained valuable insights into the commune’s priorities, community life, and future ambitions.

At Wiltz Castle, the Ambassador learned about the iconic Festival de Wiltz, which has delighted visitors since 1953 and remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity. She also visited the Circular Innovation HUB, where she explored Wiltz’s forward-looking approach to sustainability and the circular economy. The HUB brings together professionals, schools, and the wider public, serving as a national platform for exchange and innovation in this vital field.

A visit to the Brewery Museum offered a glimpse into Wiltz’s rich heritage, including Brasserie Simon, a 200 year-old family-owned brewery.

Visiting the National Strike Monument, the Ambassador was deeply moved by the courage and resilience by Luxembourgers during the Second World War. The monument stands as a stark reminder of the 1942 general strike, which originated in Wiltz in opposition to the forced conscription of young Luxembourgers into the Wehrmacht. The strike was met with brutal reprisals, and 21 of the brave strikers were executed for their resistance.

Thank you to all who guided us through Wiltz’s unique blend of history, culture, and innovation.

Ambassador Joanne Olivier had the pleasure of visiting the City of Ettelbruck last week.

Warmly welcomed by Mayor Bob Steichen, Alderman Jean-Paul Schaaf, Alderman Pascal Nicolay, and Deputy Police Chief Michel Mangen, the Ambassador learned about Ettelbruck’s key regional role. Home to over 10,000 residents representing more than 120 nationalities ,including 26 British nationals, the city serves as an important centre for infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, earning its reputation as Luxembourg’s agricultural capital.

The visit also offered a fascinating insight into Ettelbruck’s rich history. From the premiere of Luxembourg’s national anthem here in 1864 to the drafting of the country’s constitution in a local school in 1868, the commune has played a significant role in shaping the Luxembourg's identity.
At the General Patton Memorial Museum Luxembourg , the Ambassador was honoured to unveil two 1940's RAF uniforms, generously donated by the The Royal Air Force Museum London. While the individual stories of these uniforms are unknown, they stand as powerful symbols of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Luxembourg.

A guided tour of the Patton Museum by US veteran Ryan Flanagan brought these stories vividly to life, highlighting the sacrifices made by a generation to secure Europe’s freedom.

The visit also built on the Ambassador’s recent meeting with Adjudant-Major John Derneden, who presented his book Crash 3, shedding light on the lives of airmen who crashed in Luxembourg during the Second World War, a poignant reminder of the human stories behind our shared history.
A warm thank you to Mayor Steichen, Aldermen Schaaf and Nicolay, Deputy Police Chief Mangen, and all those who contributed to such an insightful and meaningful visit.

The 17th edition of the British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg opens on Thursday 19 March with I Swear.

The Scottish production is based on the true life story of John Davidson, a Scottish man with severe Tourette syndrome.

For a chance to attend the screening of this award winning film for free, simply answer the below question:

📽In which Luxembourg cinema will the film be screened?

The first 5 people to comment the correct answer will receive 2 tickets each for the screening.

More info on the British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg here: https://festivalevents.lu/filmfestival/about/

✨ We were proud to welcome nine exceptional winners of the Diplomat For A Day competition for a deep dive into diplomacy, leadership and international cooperation alongside our partner, the Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg.

From a crisis exercise led by Ambassador Joanne Olivier to a thought provoking conversation on The Lisa Burke Show, and powerful exchanges with members of the Luxembourg Ladies Ambassadors Club, the day highlighted the voices and ambitions of the next generation of female leaders.

Our winners also met senior diplomats at the MAE, Luxembourg, Minister of Higher Education and Research Stéphanie Obertin and MP Gusty Graas, gaining first-hand insight into Luxembourg’s role on the global stage.

We closed the day with a reception hosted by the Embassy of Canada, celebrating this year’s cohort and their commitment to building a more inclusive future.

Thank you to all our partners and to the inspiring young women who shared their visions of tomorrow with us.

Ambassador Olivier greatly enjoyed her visit to the dynamic commune of Pétange, where she was warmly welcomed by Mayor Jean Marie Halsdorf and the college of aldermen. As the fifth most populous commune in Luxembourg, Pétange impressed with its rich community life and modern facilities.

During the visit, the Ambassador toured the commune’s state of the art infrastructure, including its music school, exceptional swimming pool, local community radio station.
A highlight of the day was discovering the Luxembourgish national sport Keelen, which the Ambassador tried her hand at the National Ninepin bowling Centre.

The tour concluded with a moment of remembrance at the three RAF graves in Pétange, honouring:
• Aircraftman 1st Class Leon Meredith Langton, age unknown
• Pilot Officer Frederick Stanley Laws, age 22
• Sergeant Robert Finlaysen Miller, age 31
Their service and sacrifice remain deeply respected.
A warm thank you to Mayor Halsdorf and the entire Pétange community for their hospitality and dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich environment.

In line with her commitment to discover Luxembourg through its communes, Ambassador Olivier had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Gemeng Fëschbech, home to 1,347 residents, including 23 British nationals.

Guided by Mayor Lucien Brosius and Alderman Laurent Schiltz, the Ambassador learned about Fischbach’s three villages and four hamlets, its infrastructure, community driven initiatives and forward looking plans for affordable housing and improved accessibility.

Nestled within the UNESCO Global Geopark, Fischbach is deeply committed to nature education and to protecting its exceptional environment for future generations.

The commune also carries remarkable, if little-known, WWII history. The Ambassador learned of a British pilot who was courageously hidden for two days in a local family’s barn, a powerful reminder of solidarity during dark times.

Fischbach’s rich iron forge and metalworking heritage remains visible today, notably in its impressive Church of St George, dedicated to the patron saint of England. The original chapel was commissioned by the Count of Fischbach. After returning from crusading in the Levant, he was one of many crusaders who helped spread St George’s legend through Europe. The Ambassador particularly enjoyed the church's stained-glass window featuring the Golden Rose. The window was commissioned by Her late Royal Highness Grand Duchess Charlotte, the last person to receive this particular Papal recognition.

A warm thank you to Mayor Brosius, Alderman Schiltz, and the people of Fischbach for the generous welcome and for sharing the inspiring initiatives shaping this dynamic, close knit community.

📣Job Opportunity: Public Diplomacy Officer

The British Embassy in Luxemburg is looking for a Public Diplomacy Officer to play a central role in supporting the Embassy’s communications, political and public diplomacy objectives.

Find the full job description here: https://ow.ly/lQGw50YmRTw

ℹ Are you planning on visiting the UK?
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If your passport has expired or changed, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.

Visit www.gov.uk/check-eta

✈️Are you planning to travel to the UK?
From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens travelling to the UK will need a:
• valid British passport or
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For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens

✈️Are you planning to travel to the UK?

From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens travelling to the UK will need a:
• valid British passport or
• certificate of entitlement

For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens