On the Cour d’Honneur, over 20 members of the Force Publique, including the Prince’s Carabiniers and the Fire Brigade, were honoured on National Day. Among them were Brigadier Michaël Denhez, who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Captain Hervé Matu and Warrant Officer Stéphan Combaluzier, who received the Order of Saint-Charles. Labour Medals were also awarded to several Palace employees, including Emmanuel Alleaume and Simone Gomes Figueiredo, in recognition of their long-standing commitment.
Princely Family shines during Monaco’s National Day 2024
The Principality celebrated its National Day under the brilliant Mediterranean sun on 19 November. The day began with a Te Deum service at the Cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and several members of the Grimaldi family attended the mass.
Following the service, the celebrations moved to the Palace Square. A military parade featured Monaco’s Carabinieri Corps, who were joined by the French Republican Guard cavalry for the first time since 1896. The only mounted French military unit were under the command of Colonel Marie-Audrey Leheup, the first woman to head the Republican Guard cavalry regiment, and Squadron Leader Marc Lepretre.
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella waved at the crowds from the palace balcony. Princess Caroline, Princess Alexandra, Andrea Casiraghi, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Princess Stephanie, Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb were all in attendance.
Prince Albert II visits Venturi Space
Prince Albert II, visited Venturi Space on 18 November, with General David Scott and astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, to discover the newest lunar rover by the Monegasque company. Welcomed by Gildo Pasteur, President of Venturi Space, the tour included a presentation of the FLIP and FLEX rovers.
Venturi first announced the production of the new FLIP lunar rover and unveiled a prototype last month. The new rover relies on key technologies when it comes to facing the extreme conditions of the lunar South Pole, including hyper-deformable wheels. These have been designed and developed by Venturi Space within its facilities in Monaco, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
Prince Albert II inaugurates New Crown Council
Prince Albert II officially welcomed the seven members of the new Crown Council at the Prince’s Palace on 15 November. This council was appointed by ordinance on 16 October by the Sovereign. Chaired by Michel Boeri, the Council includes Frédéric Sangiorgio, former Ambassador of Monaco to France, Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, former Government Advisor-Minister of Equipment, Patricia Husson, Guy Magnan, Jean-Michel Cucchi, and Nathalie Aureglia-Caruso.
Portraits of Princess Charlene featured in Moretti’s ‘She Said Yes’ Exhibition
Black and white portraits of Princess Charlene, taken by photographer Julian Lennon are the highlight of the new ‘She Said Yes’ exhibition, taking place at Monaco’s Moretti Fine Art Gallery until 6 December. The exhibition features sculptures by Eva Claessens and photographs by Julian Lennon. The exhibition is being presented by Natasha Girardi. Julian Lennon, son of late Beatle John Lennon, is a close friend of Prince Albert II.
Princely family attend “La Bohème” Opera at the Grimaldi Forum on National Day
To close National Day celebrations, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and other members of the Grimaldi family attended a production of La Bohème at the Grimaldi Forum. Princess Caroline, Tatiana and Andréa Casiraghi, Béatrice Casiraghi, Alexandra of Hanover and Ben Sylvester Strautmann were in attendance. The opera, by Giacomo Puccini, is light, orchestral and exuberant. A perfect way to close National Day celebrations.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline attend 40th Anniversary Concert at the Princess Grace Irish Library
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline attended a private concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library, on 20 November. The Prince and Princess had inaugurated the library on 20th November 1984 with their father Prince Rainier III as a tribute to their mother. Performing were young students from the Académie Rainier III and renowned traditional flute player Dr Fintan Vallely. The songs and tunes were from the musical collection that Princess Grace had acquired from Michael O’Donnell. The young students had spent the academic year 2023/2024 preparing the songs, which were recorded in June 2024 and are included via QR codes in a commemorative book to mark the 40th anniversary of the library. The book, filled with photos of Princess Grace and her family visiting Ireland, was presented to Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover.
Princess Charlene leads Drowning Prevention Workshops for Children at the Grimaldi Forum
Princess Charlene welcomed over 300 students from Monaco’s Cours Préparatoire as they attended a drowning prevention workshop at the Grimaldi Forum on 22 November. Through short sessions led by various partners, the children explored emergency equipment and learned lifesaving first aid techniques. The event was organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in collaboration with several Monegasque entities.
One day earlier, Princess Charlene, who is President of the Monaco Rugby Federation, officially unveiled the new jerseys for the Principality’s U16 rugby team. The jerseys were created through a competition open to students at Collège Charles III. Esteves Marques Alfonso, a student from year 4, won the competition with his design.
