Tag Archives: principality of Monaco

Monaco Princely Family, Vatican

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

Leave a comment
  • 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, 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.

Monaco Princely Family

Charlene Wittstock, the Midmar Mile, and A Lovely Charity Event in South Africa

On February 11, 2011, the future Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock, will attend a charity event at the St. Johns Diocesan School PMB, in South Africa, whereupon the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Special Olympics.  This event is also in connection with the Midmar Mile race which she will take part in this weekend (Saturday 12 and Sunday 13th.)

More information about the Midmar Mile as well as the charity event at St. Johns Diocesan is still coming in through the newswire… so stay tuned for more information.

Source:  TriBella House and Midmar Mile

Monaco Princely Family

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco Speaks Out About his Upcoming Marriage: “I Look Forward to It!!”

Several days ago HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was in St. Moritz for the 3rd Annual Bobsleigh Monaco Historic Race. After the event was over the Prince Albert decided to hang around lovely St. Moritz for a day of skiing.

The Swiss online newspaper, Schweizer Ferneshen, caught up with the Prince during his stay and asked him about his upcoming marriage to Miss Charlene Wittstock, the challenges the couple will face, and fertility.

Yes, I said, fertility.

Per the article and video here is what Prince Albert had to say:

‘We have no time to be nervous, I have a lot to do, not just the wedding preparations, but also a lot of administrative duties,’ he says.

For someone like Albert of Monaco, who was long considered womanizer, the wedding is a big step. Nevertheless, his wishes for the future remain modest and realistic. He was already very happy, but ‘…the wedding is a further step, which I am very happy.’

Our time is complex and challenging as it is important for my life partner to be a reliable support to meet these challenges,’ said  Prince Albert. ‘I know that there will be obstacles, but that happens for all couples in this world.’

Prince Albert has finally found the right thing in Charlene Wittstock. A successor will make his happiness perfect, but the sports-loving Prince does not dream of having his own family football team. ‘I do not want to contribute to the overpopulation of the world. But, one or two would be a blessing.’

To watch the video of HSH Prince Albert speaking click the link: HSH Prince Albert blabbing about his upcoming marriage

Source: Schweizer Ferneshen Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Bauer Griffin

Monaco Princely Family

Charlene Wittstock to Return to South Africa

The South African online newspaper, IOL News, is reporting that Miss Charlene Wittstock will return to South Africa next week to spend time with her family, friends, and to compete in a swimming race, the Midmar Mile.

According to the report, the Midmar Mile is the:

…largest open water swim event in the world and is famed for ambience and camaraderie. Wittstock said she had met Midmar race director Wayne Riddin when he was in Monaco and then started thinking about swimming a race at a social level but also to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics.

Miss Wittstock also noted that even though she is not in “…Olympic condition…” she is looking forward to the race.

Well, good luck to her and others participating in the race.

To read the article in its entirety please click the link: IOL News

Source: IOL News

Monaco Princely Family

HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock Attend a Soccer Match in Monaco

2 Comments

On January 30, 2011, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco along with his fiancee, Charlene Wittstock attended the French League One soccer match at the Louis II Stadium in, where else, Monaco.

Looking as if they were freezing their okoles off, the couple cheered on Team Monaco against their opponent, Team Marseille. Not sure who won the game at this time, but when I find out I am sure you will be more than happy, no?

Also, I have to say this because, well, I just do.  That thick coat Miss Wittstock is wearing… yeah… um… it’s not doing her any favors if you know what I mean.

There.  I said it.    🙂

To view more photos from tonight’s event please click the link below.   🙂

Source and Photos courtesy of: Day Life by REUTERS/Eric Gaillard.

***Credit given to Bystander, from Royal Dish, for finding this information and photos first!  Merci!

Monaco Princely Family

The Grimaldi Forum Exhibit: The Magnificence and Grandeur of Royal Houses in Europe

This summer the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host a special exhibit honoring the many royal houses in Europe.

Per the official website for Monaco:

This summer the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco largest and most versatile event space will showcase three centuries of historic European monarchies with The Magnificence and Grandeur of Royal Houses in Europe exhibition. From July 11 through September 11, 2011, this one-of-a-kind event will provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the imperial homes of Europe’s most powerful and respected leaders and couples.

Never before seen as a collection, more than 600 artifacts will be on display within 2,500 square meters, providing a true ‘tour of Europe,’ which will allow visitors to explore the lives, roles and passions of personalities and couples who have marked the history of their dynasties and their countries.

Royal houses represented include Denmark, Spain, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and much much more.

To read more about this exhibit and the other royal houses, past and present, represented in this exhibit please click the link: Visit Monaco

So, if you happen to live in the area or will be visiting the South of France and/or Monaco check out the exhibit if you can.

Source: Visit Monaco