Category Archives: Monaco Princely Family

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the 70th Edition of the Bal de la Rose Hosted by Princess Caroline of Hanover

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

Last evening in the quartier of Larvotto, Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover and Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the 70th edition of the Bal de la Rose inside the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Presented under the theme Galaxy Rose Ball, the evening was conceived under the artistic direction of Mr. Christian Louboutin, in collaboration with the scenographer, Mr. Benoît Miniou.

According to a press release, guests “embarked on a celestial journey,” as the Sporting Monte-Carlo “transformed into a monochrome space shuttle, while the Salle des Étoiles became a galactic universe enhanced by immersive sound, light, and laser effects.”

Guests attending the event included Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Hanover, and her partner, Mr. Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Mr. Pierre Casiraghi and Mrs. Beatrice Borromeo Casiraghi, His Imperial Highness Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia and Her Serene Highness Princess Victoria Romanovna, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Castro, Lady Kitty Spencer, Marchesa Roberta Anastasia Gilardi, Lady Monika Bacardi, Miss Maria Luisa Bacardi, Dame Shirley Bassey, Mr. Charles Leclerc and Mrs. Alexandra Leclerc, Mr. Stéphane Bern and his partner, Mr. Yori Bailleres, Mr. Christian Louboutin, Ms. Victoria Silverstedt, the Minister of the State of the Principality of Monaco, Mr. Christophe Mirmand, and the President-Delegate of the Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco, Mr. Stéphane Valeri to name a few.

Last evening’s entertainment featured musical and theatrical performances from Rondò Veneziano, the Parisian cabaret Crazy Horse, Ballet Kalinka, and the Berlin-based troupe Dulce Compañía. A choreographic production by Céline and Cain Kitsaïs also formed part of the program.

The musical finale included a performance by Lee John and the band Imagination, followed by a late-night set by DJ Josh Quinton.

Established in 1954 by the late Princess Grace of Monaco, the Bal de la Rose is held annually in March and organized by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. 

Since 1964, the Bal de la Rose has raised funds in support of the Fondation Princesse Grace, which develops humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives benefiting individuals and young people in need. 

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II serves as High Patron of the Bal de la Rose, while Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover is President of the Fondation Princesse Grace.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the 14th Edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Final as Singapore Wins the Tournament

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  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger

This afternoon in Fontvieille, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and Mr. Gareth Wittstock attended the final of the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at the Stade Louis-II.

Organized by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, with the support of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, the annual tournament brings together youth teams from around the world, promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and inclusion through sport.

A total of 24 teams representing 23 nations participated in this year’s two-day competition, including delegations from South Africa, Argentina, Japan, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 edition marked the first participation of a team from Japan, reflecting the tournament’s continued international reach.

The final saw Singapore defeat England by four tries to one, securing victory in the 14th edition of the tournament.

At the conclusion of the tournament, awards were presented to teams and individual participants. Singapore received the Tournament trophy, presented by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Usha Hemalatha Munda of India by Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, while Japan received the Fair Play Award, presented by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene.

Imperial Family of Japan, Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Akiko of Mikasa Opens Journée du Japon à Monaco: Celebrating 20 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Japan and Monaco

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  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck

In the quartier of Larvotto, Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Mr. Louis Ducruet, presided over the opening ceremony of Journée du Japon à Monaco, held along the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum.

The event forms part of commemorations marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Principality of Monaco. Formal ties between the two countries were established on December 14th, 2006, and have since developed through sustained cultural exchange and official visits between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Princely Family of Monaco.

The main program, staged along the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, featured a Japanese handicrafts exhibition alongside cultural presentations highlighting both traditional and contemporary Japanese arts, including musical and dance performances. The program also included demonstrations and workshops introducing traditional techniques, including washi paper crafting. 

Additional activities are taking place at the Jardin Japonais in Larvotto, extending the program across multiple sites and underscoring the cultural dimension of the bilateral anniversary.

The initiative reflects the continued emphasis placed by both Japan and the Principality of Monaco on cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening bilateral relations.

This evening,  the Princess will attend the 70th edition of the Bal de la Rose to be held inside the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Imperial Family of Japan, Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Open the 14th Edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament

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  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck

In Fontvieille, Their Serene Highnesses Albert II of Monaco and Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at Stade Louis-II.

Organized by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, with the support of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, the annual tournament brings together youth teams from around the world, promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and inclusion through sport.

A total of 24 teams representing 23 nations are participating in this year’s two-day competition, including delegations from South Africa, Argentina, Japan, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 edition marks the first participation of a team from Japan, reflecting the tournament’s expanding international reach.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union and an official guest of the Princely Couple, attended the opening events alongside the princely family. Princess Charlene, who serves as President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, emphasized the broader significance of the tournament.

“Rugby is a remarkable school of life, and the Sainte-Dévote Tournament is a vehicle for peace,” she said. “On the field, young players from diverse cultures discover solidarity, humility, and trust in others. These are values that extend far beyond sport.”

The opening ceremony featured a parade of nations followed by the Monégasque national anthem, after which the first matches were held on the Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco pitches.

Earlier in the day, the initiative Rugby for All introduced schoolchildren from across the Principality, as well as young adults with disabilities, to the sport, underscoring the tournament’s commitment to accessibility and social inclusion.

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