At Château de Berg, in Colmar-Berg, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was presented with a motorcycle helmet by officers of the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in recognition of his role as former Commander-in-Chief and his longstanding support for the armed forces.
The helmet, bearing the colours of the House of Nassau, was formally presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Schaber, Lieutenant-Colonel Lesch, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lamesch as a gesture of appreciation on behalf of the military.
While unusual in form, such gifts are consistent with military tradition, in which units or associations present symbolic objects reflecting their identity, function, or esprit de corps. In this context, the motorcycle helmet relates to operational and ceremonial functions within the Lëtzebuerger Arméi in which motorcycles are employed, including escort duties.
The incorporation of the Nassau colours underscores the dynastic dimension of the gesture, linking the modern Luxembourg state to the House of Nassau, from which the Grand Ducal family of Luxembourg descends.
Photo courtesy of the Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana/Quirinale.it
In Salamanca, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain presided over the investiture ceremony at which the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, was awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad de Salamanca, one of the oldest and most historically significant universities in Europe.
Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX of León, the Universidad de Salamanca has long occupied a central place in the intellectual and institutional history of the Kingdom of Spain. Its traditions, shaped over eight centuries, situate the conferral of honorary doctorates within a broader framework of academic recognition reserved for individuals whose work has made a sustained contribution to public life, scholarship, or international cooperation.
The University conferred the distinction in recognition of President Mattarella’s longstanding cultural ties with the Kingdom of Spain, as well as his academic career as Professor of Parliamentary Law at the Università degli Studi di Palermo until 1983, during which he produced numerous scholarly publications. The Universidad de Salamanca further acknowledged his contribution to contemporary public thought.
In its citation, the University also highlighted President Mattarella’s commitment to humanism, European integration, and cooperation among nations, noting in particular a shared emphasis on the role of culture and education within democratic societies.
The degree of Doctor Honoris Causa constitutes the highest academic distinction conferred by the Universidad de Salamanca and is awarded to individuals of recognised international standing in the scientific, cultural, professional, or institutional spheres.
On Friday, Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will travel to the Vatican, where they are scheduled to be received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace.
In Fontvieille, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in the annual Water Safety Day workshops at the Centre Nautique du Stade Louis II.
Organized several times each year by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, the workshops were conducted under the supervision of the Ambassador of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco and Monégasque freediver, Mr. Pierre Frolla, together with his team from the Académie Monégasque de la Mer, with the participation of the Croix-Rouge Monégasque, the Comité Monégasque Antidopage, and the Association Monégasque des Athlètes Olympiques.
The workshops brought together 108 children representing nine international under-12 rugby teams competing in the 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote.
Participants took part in a structured programme focused on water safety and emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue techniques, and basic first aid, alongside supervised aquatic activities.
According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, for many of the children participating in the workshop, it was their “first introduction to water rescue, in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.” The Palace added that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s international work to prevent drowning and promote the values of solidarity, education, and sport.
The 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote begins on Friday, March 20th to Saturday, March 21st, at the Stade Louis II.
In Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has announced the theme for the upcoming 70th edition of the Bal de la Rose, which will take place on Saturday, March 21st, in the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo in the quartier district of Larvotto in Monaco.
Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover, in her capacity as President of the Fondation Princesse Grace, has chosen the theme Galaxy Rose Ball. Mr. Christian Louboutin will serve as artistic director for the evening, with scenographic collaboration from the designer Mr. Benoît Miniou.
The evening’s entertainment will feature a program of musical and theatrical performances, including appearances by Rondò Veneziano, the Parisian cabaret Crazy Horse, Ballet Kalinka, and the Berlin-based troupe Dulce Compania. A choreographic production by Céline and Cain Kitsaïs will also form part of the program.
The musical finale will include a performance by Leee John and the band Imagination, followed by a late-night set by DJ Josh Quinton.
Poster courtesy of Visite du Palais Princier de Monaco
Portrait courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco
In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco has announced a scholarly conference dedicated to the recent restoration and the study of Renaissance frescoes uncovered within the State Apartments of the Palais Princier de Monaco.
The conference, entitled Images d’une souveraineté à la Renaissance: Dix ans de découvertes et de restauration des fresques du Palais Princier de Monaco, will take place at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco from March 19th to 21st, 2026.
The opening session will feature an inaugural address by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, followed by presentations from scholars, archivists, and conservation specialists, including the Director General of l’Institut Océanographique de Monaco, Mr. Robert Calcagno, and the Director of the Archives et de la Bibliothèque du Palais Princier de Monaco, Mr. Thomas Fouilleron.
The conference follows an extensive restoration project initiated by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, which led to the unexpected discovery of late Renaissance frescoes concealed beneath later decorative layers within the palace interiors. The works, which date to the period when the Grimaldi dynasty was consolidating its authority in Monaco, provide new insight into the artistic and symbolic language of princely power during the 16th century.
According to the announcement issued by the Palais Princier, the conference will present the results of more than a decade of research, technical analysis, and conservation undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including art restorers, historians, and scientists.
Several of the frescoes incorporate classical mythological figures, including Hercules, Ulysses, and Pegasus. Such imagery reflects the symbolic language commonly employed by Renaissance courts, where references to antiquity were used to convey ideals of legitimacy, virtue, and dynastic continuity.
The conference will bring together scholars and conservation experts to examine both the historical significance of the frescoes and the methods used in their restoration. The conference also precedes a major exhibition on the discoveries planned for 2027, as well as forthcoming academic publications dedicated to the project.
Today’s announcement follows the confirmation that the State Apartments of the Palais Princier will reopen to the public on March 30th, 2026.
Attendance at the conference is free of charge; however, advance reservations are recommended through the Visitor Services of the Palais Princier de Monaco. Additional information and registration details are available at visitepalaisdemonaco.com
This afternoon, the Royal Court of Albania announced the marriage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Leka of the Albanians to Miss Blerta Celibashi.
According to a statement issued by the Royal Court, the couple were married in a private civil ceremony held at Château Apponyi in Slovakia. The ceremony was conducted in an intimate setting in keeping with the wishes of the couple and their families.
An official photograph released on the occasion was taken at the château, a residence historically associated with the late Queen Geraldine of the Albanians, who was born Countess Géraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Apponyi into a Hungarian noble family before her marriage to King Zog I in 1938.
Following the marriage, Princess Blerta will bear the family name Zogu, the title Princess of the Albanians, and the style of Her Royal Highness.
The Albanian royal dynasty was established in 1928 when King Zog I proclaimed the Kingdom of the Albanians. His reign ended in 1939 when Italy invaded Albania, forcing the royal family into exile.
Crown Prince Leka, commonly known as Crown Prince Leka of Albania, is the head of the House of Zogu.
Photos courtesy of the Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Brunei
Photos courtesy of the Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Brunei
Photos courtesy of the Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Brunei
Photos courtesy of the Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Brunei
On Thursday, in Bandar Seri Begawan, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah of Brunei and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, presided over the State Opening of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council.
The ceremony formally inaugurated the new parliamentary session and marked the beginning of debate on the National Budget for the Financial Year 2026–2027, one of the most important legislative processes in Brunei’s political calendar. The opening also marked the Sultan’s first public appearance since undergoing knee surgery earlier this year.
During the opening session, the Sultan delivered his titah, or royal address, outlining several national priorities. In his remarks, he called on authorities to strengthen road safety measures and improve infrastructure for road users, following a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of two cyclists. He expressed sympathy to the families affected and urged the relevant authorities to consider both legislative and infrastructure solutions to improve road safety across the country.
The Sultan also emphasized the importance of integrity and good governance, reiterating the government’s commitment to combating corruption and abuse of power in both the public and private sectors. He warned that corruption, if left unchecked, could undermine national stability and public trust.
Economic resilience was another central theme of the Sultan’s remarks. He encouraged continued efforts to diversify the national economy through strategic investment in new sectors and through stronger support for private enterprise and small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts form part of the long-term national development strategy known as Brunei Vision 2035, which aims to strengthen economic sustainability while maintaining high standards of social welfare and governance.
The Sultan also emphasized that the Legislative Council serves as an important platform for addressing national challenges and for developing practical solutions to issues affecting the people of Brunei Darussalam.
The State Opening of the Legislative Council remains one of the most significant constitutional ceremonies in the country, reflecting the Sultan’s central role in Brunei’s system of government and in shaping the nation’s long-term development policies.
The Royal Correspondent 