The Principality will begin celebrating the 100th birthday of Prince Rainier III at the end of May, with many events planned throughout the year. The program of events was recently unveiled by Prince Albert II, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, who is the chair of the Prince Rainier III Centenary Committee and is dedicated to honouring the memory of her father.
Prince Rainier was known for his love of bringing Monegasques together, a trait that has been passed down to his children who have been tirelessly organizing thirty-four events to celebrate their father’s legacy from 31 May 2023 until 19 January 2024. Several months ago, Princess Stephanie assembled the wider Princely family, including her children, nieces and nephews so they could all play a role in organizing the celebrations.
The parade of celebrations to expect
On 31 May, one hundred years to the day after Prince Rainier was born, there will be a big party on the Rock for Monegasques and residents. It is planned that the party will include a big birthday cake, workshops, activities related to Prince Rainier’s passions and several surprises.
Five other events will also be taking place on 31 May, including an exhibition at the Prince’s Palace featuring a collection of photos taken from the archives, which will tell the story of the sovereign in his home. Prince Rainier III was the first prince to be born in the Palace since the 18th century. It is expected that the exhibition at the Palace will present a more intimate portrait of the Prince.
Every facet of Prince Rainier III will be celebrated this year. In the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine Ier, another exhibition will pay tribute the Builder Prince. His management of the SBM, the Red Cross, the construction of the Fontvieille district and having the Principality recognized as a country in its own right will all be celebrated. His link with Cousteau at the Oceanographic Museum, his love of boats at the Yacht-club and a parade of its vintage cars are all on the agenda this year.
Celebration at UN headquarters in New York
Monaco became the 183rd country admitted into the United Nations thirty years ago, in 1993, thanks to Prince Rainier III. For the occasion, a concert by the Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra will take place in New York, in the heart of the UN’s General Assembly Hall on 19 June 2023. This will be the only event celebrating Prince Rainier III outside of Monaco.
Centenary Ball
After a summer full of concerts, films and exhibitions dedicated to Prince Rainier III, a ball will take place next autumn. The ode to the most beautiful galas hosted by Prince Rainier III will take place on 21 October 2023 at the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Proceeds from the Centenary Ball will go to charity.
Celebrations close with International Circus Festival
Passionate about the circus, Prince Rainier III began the International Circus Festival to support traditional circus performers by showcasing their talents in Monaco in 1974. A love of the circus was passed on to his daughter, Princess Stephanie, who became the President of the festival in 2005. The Rainier III centenary celebrations will end in January 2024 with the 46th International Monte-Carlo Circus Festival.
For the complete program of events, visit: www.centenairerainier3.mc
