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.

Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg Receives Ceremonial Helmet from Lëtzebuerger Arméi at Château de Berg

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  • Photo courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc
  • Photo courtesy of the Maison du Grand-Duc

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.

Royal Family of Spain, Spanish Royals

King Felipe VI of Spain Presides Over Doctor Honoris Causa Investiture of President Sergio Mattarella at the Universidad de Salamanca

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  • Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey
  • Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey
  • 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.

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

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