Daily Archives: March 30, 2026

Belgian Royals, Headlines, Royal Family of Belgium

Prince Emmanuel of Belgium Changes Course of Study, Continues His University Education in Brussels, the Palace Confirms

Portrait courtesy of Monarchie Belge/Bas Bogaerts

In Brussels, the Palais Royal de Bruxelles has confirmed that His Royal Highness Prince Emmanuel of Belgium has changed his course of study and will continue his education in the Belgian capital.

The 20-year-old son of Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians has withdrawn from UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL) in Leuven after completing his first semester, where he had been pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management and Marketing, taught in English.

Prince Emmanuel has since enrolled in a French-language program in business development at ISTEC Bruxelles, École supérieure de commerce et de marketing, where he is following the program, “chargé d’affaires commerciales.” The course is understood to offer a more practical, hands-on approach, including opportunities for professional placements.

According to the Palais Royal, the transition was carried out discreetly and reflects a personal decision by the Prince following a reassessment of his academic direction. Despite the change, Prince Emmanuel’s studies are expected to proceed without delay, provided he completes his examinations by the end of the academic year.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco Appoints Frédéric Cottalorda as the New Minister of Finance and the Economy

  • Portrait courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Palais Princier de Monaco Communiqué de presse

In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco has announced that, by decision of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Mr. Frédéric Cottalorda has been appointed Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre des Finances et de l’Économie, effective April 1st, 2026.

He succeeds Mr. Pierre-André Chiappori, who had held the position since March 18th, 2024.

Mr. Cottalorda holds a Maîtrise de Sciences Économiques and a Diplôme d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées en ingénierie patrimoniale. He began his administrative career in April 2005 within the Service d’Information et de Contrôle des Circuits Financiers (SICCFIN), where he served in several roles, including Adjoint au Directeur until September 2013. He subsequently developed a consulting practice advising professionals subject to obligations relating to lutte contre le blanchiment et le financement du terrorisme (LCB-FT). In August 2024, he was appointed Conseiller Spécial au Secrétariat du Département des Finances et de l’Économie.

According to the Palais Princier, his experience across both the public and private sectors provides him with recognized expertise and a strong understanding of the financial and economic challenges facing the Principality.

The Sovereign Prince also expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Pierre-André Chiappori for his dedication and rigor throughout his tenure at the head of the Département des Finances et de l’Économie.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco, Vatican

The Palais Princier de Monaco Releases a Historic Portrait of the Princely Family of Monaco and the Kelly Family with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

2 Comments
  • Portrait courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Portrait courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Portrait courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi/Sarah Steck/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi/Sarah Steck/Frédéric Nebinger

In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco released an official portrait of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, together with members of the Princely Family of Monaco and the Kelly family, on the occasion of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s historic Apostolic Visit to the Principality of Monaco.

The portrait was taken in the Salle des Gardes of the Palais Princier by Mr. Michaël Alesi, following the official welcoming ceremony in the Cour d’Honneur and prior to the balcony appearance and subsequent liturgical celebrations and pastoral engagements across the Principality.

Front row, from left to right: Mr. Gareth Wittstock, Mr. Louis Ducruet and Mrs. Marie Ducruet, Her Serene Highness Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco, Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover, Ms. Charlotte Casiraghi, Mr. Pierre Casiraghi and Mrs. Beatrice Borromeo Casiraghi.

Second row, from left to right: Ms. Susan Kelly von Medicus, Mrs. John “JB” Kelly III and Mr. John “JB” Kelly III, Mr. Christopher LeVine, Mrs. Donatella Knecht de Massy and Mr. Sébastien Knecht de Massy, an unidentified woman, and Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.

The Palais Princier also released additional portraits of His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco. Among them were a photograph of Princess Gabriella with Father César Penzo, the Palatine Chaplain at the Chapelle Palatine of the Palais Princier de Monaco, during the pontifical Mass at the Stade Louis-II in the quartier of Fontvieille, a portrait of Princess Charlene, and a portrait of the Sovereign Prince and His Holiness.