They share a name and now they’ve shared the limelight during a very important visit.

As Pope Francis was welcomed to the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg by the country’s royal family, his namesake prince was very happy to see him.

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Prince Francois, aged 1 and third in line to the throne, ran around happily as the Pope met his family. He was later rewarded with a sweet from the pontiff.

Pope Francis looked delighted by this enthusiastic welcome although the little prince’s mother, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, had a rather more stretched smile as she hovered over her youngest as he made a break across the room and her elder son, four year old Prince Charles, appeared less than happy about not getting a treat.

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The Pope is making a brief visit to Luxembourg and was welcomed at the airport by the Grand Duke and Duchess.

Grand Duke Henri, who will hand over most of his constitutional powers to his heir in two weeks’ time, appeared emotional as he began this last major visit of this part of his reign.

He accompanied the Pope along the red carpet to an official welcome before the Pontiff met some of the crowds who had come to catch a glimpse.

On his arrival at the Grand Ducal Palace, Pope Francis signed the Visitor’s Book before posing for official photos with Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

Soon afterwards, they were joined by first in line to the throne, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. On October 7th 2024, he will be named Lieutenant Representant by his father, meaning that constitutional powers pass to him although Henri remains Grand Duke in name. It is seen as a first step towards an abdication and the accession of Guillaume as Grand Duke.

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In perhaps another sign of the impending change, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa seemed to cede an ancient honour to her daughter-in-law, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie.

Historically, the consorts of Catholic sovereigns were given the distinction of wearing white in the presence of a pope – other women were expected to wear black. Pope Francis has dispensed with traditional dress codes, in particular with the use of mantillas by women. However, for this meeting, Maria Teresa notably wore black, having usually chosen white while meeting popes before. Instead, her daughter-in-law, Luxembourg’s future consort, wore white with a hint of blue to it.

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Several other members of the Grand Ducal family also chose pale shades for this meeting. All the Grand Duke and Duchess’ children joined them for the papal audience. Only one of their grandchildren was missing: Henri and Maria Teresa’s daughter, Princess Alexandra, didn’t bring her own little girl to the photo call. Baby Victoire, born earlier this year, stayed behind palace doors although her cousin, eight month old Prince Baltasar, was included in the portrait.

Pope Francis is set to travel to Belgium following his visit to Luxembourg.