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
Ahead of ongoing developments within the Principality of Monaco’s healthcare sector, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco presided over the inauguration of a new parent–child unit at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, located in the quartier of La Colle.
The inauguration took place in the presence of the Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Monaco, Christophe Robino, the Director of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, and the patron of the project, Dmitry Rybolovlev, owner of AS Monaco Football Club.
The new parent–child unit comprises four rooms designed to provide a family-centered environment. Parents are able to remain present at all times, ensuring continuous support for their child throughout hospitalization.
Intended for vulnerable newborns or those requiring specialized monitoring, the facility combines advanced medical care with the preservation of the essential bond between parent and child.
A multidisciplinary team, including pediatric nurses, midwives, childcare assistants, and physicians, supports each family through a coordinated, patient-centered approach.
This initiative forms part of the broader development of the mother–child division at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace and continues a longstanding commitment to care that is both medically advanced and centered on family needs.
It also continues the engagement of Their Serene Highnesses in supporting parents, including first aid training workshops for infants initiated by Princess Charlene in collaboration with the Croix-Rouge Monégasque.
The inauguration marks a further step in strengthening comprehensive, family-focused neonatal care within the Principality.
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
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
Ahead of the forthcoming Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco on Saturday, March 28th, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has given a rare interview addressing the significance of the visit, the role of Roman Catholicism within the Monégasque state, and the balance between faith and public responsibility.
Speaking to the French publication La Croix, the Sovereign Prince described the anticipated visit as both an honor and a moment of historic importance for Monaco. He noted that the invitation had been extended only recently, making the confirmation of the visit all the more significant for the Principality and its population.
The Constitution de la Principauté de Monaco, adopted on December 17th, 1962, states that Roman Catholicism is the state religion, placing the Principality among the small number of European countries where Catholicism retains formal constitutional recognition.
In the interview, the Sovereign Prince emphasized that the faith continues to shape national traditions, public ceremonies, and institutional dialogue, including regular exchanges with the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, on matters such as education and bioethics.
He also addressed the role of his personal faith, describing it as a central element of his identity and a guiding influence in his approach to leadership. While noting that faith does not provide simple answers to complex policy questions, he indicated that it informs a broader sense of responsibility, particularly in striving to ensure that decisions are not only effective but also just and grounded in respect for others.
In addressing contemporary societal issues, including questions of bioethics, he acknowledged the need to balance moral considerations with the responsibilities of governance. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding both human dignity and the natural environment, framing these concerns as interconnected rather than separate.
The interview further addressed the Principality’s international role, particularly in humanitarian and charitable initiatives. While Monaco is often associated with wealth, the Sovereign Prince highlighted the importance of how resources are used, pointing to the country’s contributions to international cooperation and assistance efforts. He noted that this dimension of Monaco’s identity is often less visible, in part due to a cultural preference for discretion.
On the broader relationship between wealth and faith, the Sovereign Prince acknowledged that tensions can arise, but described them as constructive rather than contradictory. He suggested that such challenges can reinforce a sense of ethical responsibility, particularly in ensuring that prosperity is accompanied by solidarity and a commitment to the common good.
The Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is expected to further highlight these themes, marking a significant moment in the contemporary history of the Principality of Monaco.
Official Program Schedule:
The Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will follow a structured program across the Principality of Monaco on Saturday, March 28th, beginning at 8:50 a.m. with the arrival of His Holiness at the Héliport de Monaco.
At 9:00 a.m., an official welcome ceremony will take place at the Place du Palais, where His Holiness will be received by Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. This will be followed by a private audience and official exchanges at the Palais Princier de Monaco.
At 10:00 a.m., the Sovereign Prince will deliver a formal address from the balcony of the Palais Princier, followed by remarks and an Apostolic Blessing imparted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to those gathered at the Place du Palais.
At 11:00 a.m., His Holiness will preside over the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours at the Cathédrale de Monaco in the quartier of Monaco-Ville, including the delivery of a homily. This will be followed at 11:45 a.m. by a meeting with young people and catechumens at the Église Sainte-Dévote in the quartier of La Condamine, which will include a moment of prayer and an address by His Holiness.
The Apostolic Visit will conclude with the celebration of a pontifical Mass at 3:00 p.m. at the Stade Louis-II in the quartier of Fontvieille, observed according to the liturgy for the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent.
Live coverage of the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will be available across several official and religious broadcasters.
In France, the Catholic television network KTO Télévision Catholique will provide comprehensive coverage of the visit, including the arrival of His Holiness in the Principality.
In Monaco, full coverage of the Apostolic Visit, from the arrival at the Héliport de Monaco to the departure of His Holiness, will be carried by the official state broadcaster, Monaco Info, as well as the public broadcaster, TVMonaco.
These broadcasts will be available via their respective digital platforms, including YouTube, where international audiences will be able to follow the visit in real time.
Links to the official YouTube channels of KTO Télévision Catholique, Monaco Info, and TVMonaco are provided below.
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
In the quartier of Fontvieille, Monaco, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco presided over the inauguration of a commemorative exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies.
The exhibition, titled Du Musée monétaire au Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies, invites visitors to explore the evolution, history, and heritage of the institution, which plays a central role in preserving the Principality of Monaco’s philatelic and numismatic collections.
It retraces the transformation of the former monetary museum into the present Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies, highlighting its development over the past three decades and its contribution to the cultural patrimony of the Principality.
Following the visit, the Sovereign Prince and the Hereditary Prince signed the official guest book before marking the occasion with the official “First Day” postmark on a commemorative envelope issued for the museum’s anniversary, a traditional philatelic gesture.
The event forms part of the Principality’s broader efforts to celebrate and preserve its cultural institutions, while reaffirming the longstanding interest of the Princely Family in Monaco’s historical and artistic heritage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Royal Correspondent 