HSH the Prince traveled to Padua, Italy on Monday 27 February for a scientific and cultural visit.
Prince Albert II began his visit to Palazzo Bo, the historic seat of the University of Padua, which is celebrating its 800th anniversary this year. Accompanied by Professor Daniela Mapelli, Rector of the University, the Sovereign was able to discover various historical rooms including the oldest Anatomical Theatre dating from 1594 as well as the “Aula Magna”, a classroom in which Galileo taught mathematics. The Sovereign then took part in a symposium by the University on the theme of sustainable development.
After a lunch in the presence of Sergio Giordani, Mayor of Padua, and other representatives of the city, the Sovereign Prince went to the Botanical Gardens and visited the new Botanical Museum. The first university botanical garden in the world, “the Orto Botanico” founded in 1545, is a UNESCO world heritage site.
In the afternoon, the Sovereign went to the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua where he was welcomed by Father Antonio Ramina, rector of the basilica. During this visit, the Prince admired the chapel of the relics of Saint Anthony. The day ended with a visit to the laboratories of the Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM). Created in 1996 by Professor Francesco Pagano, the foundation conducts internationally recognized, state-of-the-art research in cellular and molecular biology. The princely visit paved the way for future exchanges with the University and the Advanced Biomedical Research Foundation and the Principality.
Giving used items a second life with Monacollect, Inaugurated by Prince Albert II
Monacollect, a one-stop spot for used items was officially inaugurated on Saturday 4 March by Prince Albert II. The event invited all residents of Monaco to donate their unwanted but useful items and give them a new life, with proceeds going to a good cause. Organized by the Monegasque Sanitation Company (SMA) and the Directorate of Urban Planning, the event put Fight Aids Monaco in the spotlight, alongside several other charitable associations. The event saw donations of clothes, linen, dishes, toys, books, computer equipment, small household appliances, which will all be sorted and redistributed by Princess Stephanie’s association.
Testimonio Crèche Inaugurated with Warm Welcome by Princely Couple
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene inaugurated the Testimonio Crèche on 1 March. The Princely Couple were welcomed by Mayor Georges Marsan and his Deputies, including Chloé Boscagli Leclercq, Delegate for Early Childhood and Families. In his speech, the Mayor thanked all municipal staff and the Prince’s Government for the completion of the project. The inauguration included a blessing of the crèche by Monsignor Guillaume Paris, followed by a tour of the premises by Director of the nursery school, Karine Le Roch.
Combining space, comfort and technology, the crèche benefits from a terrace, several courtyards and quality furniture adapted to young children. Located in the Elsa Tower of the Testimonio II building, the new nursery school is the thirteenth childcare facility in the Principality for children aged 0 to 3 years old.
Princess Alexandra attends Giambattista Valli Fashion Show
Princess Caroline’s youngest daughter, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, attended the Giambattista Valli Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024 show during Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by the style of Josephine de Beauharnais, who was married to Napoleon Bonaparte for five years, the show featured embroidered vests worn over jumpsuits and under sequins tweed jackets. Charlotte Casiraghi famously wore a Giambattista Valli dress for her wedding to Dimitri Rassam in 2019.
In Haiti, the Prince Albert II of Monaco school celebrates 10th Anniversary
Following an earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010, the earthquake-proof Prince Albert II of Monaco School was built and officially inaugurated on 15 February 2013 by the Prince himself. The Monaco Collectif Haïti, made up of the Prince’s government, the Monegasque Red Cross and about twenty NGOs, raised funds for the school’s construction. 354 children from low-income families, half of which are girls, attend the school each year. The Principality has continued to support the school since its opening one decade ago.
The school provides all students with medical monitoring, a daily meal, teaching materials and extracurricular activities. The level of education is excellent, with a 90% success-rate in final exams. To celebrate the anniversary, a fundraiser for the benefit of the children of Prince Albert II of Monaco school will be held by students from Charles III College.
