Category Archives: Monaco Princely Family

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco Leads Water Safety Workshops Ahead of 14th Edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote

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  • Photos courtesy of Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier de Monaco ©
  • Photos courtesy of Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier de Monaco ©

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.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Theme Announced for the 70th Edition of the Bal de la Rose in Monaco

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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.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco to Open A Conference on Renaissance Frescoes Discovered at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

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  • 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

Monaco Princely Family

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Provale Solidarité Charity Gala in Paris

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Photo courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck ©

On Friday evening in Paris, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the second edition of the Provale Solidarité charity gala held at the Four Seasons Hotel George V.

The event was organized by Provale, the national union representing professional rugby players in France. The organization works to defend the rights and interests of rugby players and provides assistance to athletes throughout their professional careers and during their transition to life after sport.

The gala brought together more than 300 guests, including former professional players, prominent figures within the rugby community, and representatives from the wider sporting world.

The evening featured a charity auction, including a selection of exceptional items such as match-worn and autographed jerseys, as well as original works of art. The gala raised more than €120,000 for the Provale Solidarité Fund.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, the Sovereign Prince Couple “generously donated tickets to the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final in Australia, together with VIP invitations to the next Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.”

Funds raised during the evening will support Provale’s programs assisting current and former players who face significant personal and professional challenges following their sporting careers.

Many former athletes encounter lasting difficulties after retirement, including long-term physical injuries, challenges related to professional reintegration, and the broader physical and psychological consequences associated with high-level competition.

Events such as the Provale Solidarité gala contribute to sustaining the organization’s mission of providing support and solidarity to players during the most difficult periods of their professional and personal transition after sport. 

Princess Charlene is the President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby.

Monaco Princely Family, Vatican

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s Official Visit to the Principality of Monaco: Official Program Released

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  • Photo courtesy of Vatican Media/Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Press image courtesy of le Diocèse de la Principauté de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco

Following the announcement of the one-day official visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco, on February 25th, the Diocese of Monaco released the official program for the apostolic and pastoral engagements that will take place during the Holy Father’s stay in the Principality.

According to the program, His Holiness will arrive at the Monaco Heliport at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28th, where he will be welcomed by Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

At 9:25 a.m., an official welcoming ceremony will take place on the Place du Palais in Monaco-Ville, where Monégasques and residents of the Principality are invited to attend.

Following the ceremony, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco will hold a meeting with His Holiness inside the Palais Princier de Monaco.

After the meeting, the Sovereign Prince couple and His Holiness will greet the public from the balcony of the Palais Princier de Monaco overlooking the Place du Palais

His Holiness will then travel to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco in Monaco-Ville, where he will lead the Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Later in the morning, His Holiness will meet with young people and catechumens at the Église Sainte-Dévote in La Condamine.

His Holiness will conclude his official visit to the Principality by celebrating the Saturday Mass of the Fifth Week of Lent at the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille at 3:30 p.m. Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, along with Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco and Princess Gabriella of Monaco, members of the Princely Family, and representatives of the Sovereign Prince’s Government, are confirmed to attend the Mass.

The upcoming visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will mark a historic moment for the Principality of Monaco. While Pope Paul III was received in the Lordship of Monaco in 1538, the March 28th official visit will be the first apostolic visit by a reigning pope to Monaco in the modern era, underscoring the longstanding historical ties between the Holy See and the Grimaldi dynasty.

Monaco Princely Family

Prince Albert II of Monaco Opens 13th Monaco and the Mediterranean International Meetings at the Musée Océanographique.

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  • Photo courtesy of the © Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Throne Room/Palais Princier de Monaco

On Thursday morning in Monaco-Ville, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, in his capacity as High Patron, attended the opening session of the 13th Edition of the Rencontres Internationales Monaco et la Méditerranée at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco.

Organized by the Association Monégasque pour la Connaissance des Arts with the support of the Government of the Principality of Monaco, in partnership with the Institut Océanographique, Institut audiovisuel de Monaco, and the Monaco National Commission for UNESCO, the two-day symposium is held this year under the theme Ulysses Through the Ages.

The symposium brings together researchers, academics, writers, art historians, and artists to examine the reinterpretations of Ulysses across literature, the arts, history, cinema, and contemporary thought. The program offers a multidisciplinary examination of the figure of Ulysses as a symbol of wandering, intelligence, memory, and exile, and considers the continued relevance of this myth in light of contemporary cultural and human questions.

In his speech, the Sovereign Prince observed that the theme resonates with the history of the Palais Princier de Monaco. Recent restoration work in the Throne Room revealed a Renaissance cycle of frescoes depicting scenes from the Odyssey.

At the center of the ceiling is the Nekuia, the episode in which Ulysses descends to the underworld to consult the seer Tiresias. The composition is framed by zodiac signs, the labors of the months, and additional imagery illustrating episodes from the hero’s journey.

According to the Sovereign Prince, these discoveries provide new insight into the artistic history of the Palais and underscore the enduring presence of classical mythology within Monaco’s cultural heritage.

According to a statement from the Palais Princier de Monaco, the frescoes will be examined in greater detail during a forthcoming conference, Images d’une souveraineté de la Renaissance, to be held from March 19 to 21 at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco.

Monaco Princely Family, Vatican

Pope Leo XIV to Make Historic Official Visit to Monaco on March 28, Hosted by Prince Albert II

  • H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.
  • T.S.H.s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco/ Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier de Monaco
  • H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.

In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco announced that Their Serene Highnesses Albert II and Charlene of Monaco will host a one-day official visit from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, March 28.

According to the Palais Princier, the visit reflects “the enduring bonds linking the Grimaldi dynasty to the Roman Pontiffs” and the historic diplomatic relationship between the Principality of Monaco and the Holy See.

The invitation was extended by the Sovereign Prince during his meeting with the Holy Father at the Vatican on January 17, 2026, and separately by His Excellency The Most Reverend Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco, underscoring both the institutional and pastoral dimensions of the visit.

The Palais Princier further noted that, as a sovereign state in which the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman religion is enshrined in the Constitution, Monaco regards this spiritual heritage as a foundational element of its national identity and institutional continuity.

The visit is described as a historic moment for the Principality and a sign of hope in a spirit of dialogue and peace.