Tag Archives: Princely Family of Monaco

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.

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

Palais Princier de Monaco Releases the Princely Family’s Official 2025 Christmas Card

Portrait courtesy of Vanessa von Zitzewitz/Palais Princier de Monaco

In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco has released the official 2025 Christmas card portrait of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, together with His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco, and the family’s dog, Harley.

The photograph was taken in the private family room of the Palais Princier by Monaco-based, German-born photographer, Ms. Vanessa von Zitzewitz.

On Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Hereditary Prince Jacques, Marquis des Baux, and Princess Gabriella, Comtesse de Carlades, will celebrate their 11th birthdays.