The 13th Sainte Dévote Tournament concluded on April 26, 2025, at Monaco’s Stade Louis II, with France’s Montpellier Hérault Rugby emerging victorious in front of the royal couple in a spirited final against England’s Cobham Rugby. In a commanding performance, the young French players secured a 2-0 win, lifting the trophy amid scenes of joy and pride.
In addition to the competition, the tournament offered inclusive activities: “Rugby for Everyone” workshops opened the sport to children with disabilities, the “Rugby Tots” sessions introduced toddlers to their first rugby ball, and the “Ninja Box” obstacle course added playful athletic challenges.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcome Grand Master of Malta to the Palace
The Princely Couple received John T. Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, at the Prince’s Palace on April 22. The Grand Master of Malta was accompanied by an official delegation. Prince Albert II awarded the Grand Cross in the Order of Saint-Charles to the Grand Master. Prince Albert II then received the Cross of Knight of Justice of the Order of Malta, and Princess Charlene received the insignia of Dame of Honour and Devotion.
John Timothy Dunlap, a Canadian attorney, was elected the 81st Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 2023. The Sovereign Order of Malta, one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization, has been a United Nations General Assembly observer since 1994 and is active in 120 countries through medical, social, and humanitarian work. The meeting continues 50 years of relations between the Principality and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline make Historic Visit to Ardennes
Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover made an official visit to the Ardennes on April 24, strengthening the historical ties that have united the Principality with the region for over two centuries. The visit, which was planned for two days, had to be cut short because Prince Albert II was due to travel to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.
After visiting Chaumont-Porcien in 2018, the Sovereign returned to Ardennes with his sister. There, they viewed the exhibition ‘Counts of Rethel, Dukes of Mazarin, Princes of Monaco. An Ardennes History (10th-19th Centuries)’ which is being held at the Ardennes Museum until June 8. In the afternoon, the duo visited La Cassine/Vendresse, where they were received by City Councilor Marie-France Barbe before unveiling a sign inducting the town into the Grimaldi Historic Sites network.
After a guided tour of the ruins of the castle of the Dukes of Rethel, Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline went to the former Cordeliers convent, where a plaque commemorating their visit was unveiled.
Lametz was their last stop of the day, where the Prince and Princess were welcomed by Thierry Warzee, mayor of the commune. The delegation went to the cemetery to pay their respects at the tombstones of Antoine Rouyer and Henriette Legras de Vaubercey, stepfather and mother of Princess Caroline (1793-1879). The tour ended at the Château de Lametz, a place where the Grimaldi ancestors often stayed.
In 1777, the future Prince Honoré IV, married Louise d’Aumont, heiress to the titles and territories of Cardinal Mazarin. By inheritance, part of Ardennes came to the Grimaldis at the end of the 18th century. The charter of the Counts of Rethel has been kept in the Princely Archives of Monaco since 1880.
Charlotte Casiraghi celebrates the Patron Saint of Monaco’s Police
Charlotte Casiraghi attended the annual Saint George mass at the Sainte-Dévote Church in honour of the patron saint of Public Security on April 23. Charlotte Casiraghi has been patron of the Monegasque security forces since 1997.
The ceremony, which took place in the presence of the highest Monegasque authorities and representatives of French institutions, began with an address by Éric Arella, Controller in charge of the Public Security Department, before being co-celebrated by His Excellency Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco, and Father Julien Gollino, Chaplain of the Public Security Department. At the end of the mass, a police officer recited the Policeman’s Prayer, written in 2022 to mark the 120th anniversary of the creation of the Public Safety Service.
Prince Albert II inaugurates CHPG’s Belvedere Building
Prince Albert II officially inaugurated the Belvedere building at the Princesse Grace Hospital Centre on April 22. The new facility houses the Maison du Don, a dedicated blood donation centre and the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory (microscopic and macroscopic examination of tissues and cells to diagnose and understand diseases) now equipped with advanced molecular biology capabilities.
Accompanied by Government Ministers Céline Caron-Dagioni, Christophe Robino and CHPG Director Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, the Prince toured the new spaces, which represent the first phase of the broader New CHPG project.
Princess Charlene attends Water Safety Day for 100 young Rugby Players
Princess Charlene attended Water Safety Day at the Louis-II stadium swimming pool on April 24. 108 young rugby players from the nine international teams participating in the St. Devote tournament participated in the day, which was dedicated to drowning prevention and water rescue training. Led by Pierre Frolla, ambassador of the foundation, and his team from the Monaco Academy of the Sea, the day’s workshops included cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ball games for non-swimmers, water rescue (pulling, tube buoys), water polo, an aquatic course and a diving board activity. Three “dry” workshops were also offered by the Monegasque Red Cross, the Monegasque Anti-Doping Committee and the Monegasque Olympic Committee.
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline attend Mass for Pope Francis
The Princely couple and Princess Caroline attended a pontifical Mass, held at Monaco’s Cathedral, in tribute to Pope Francis on April 22, one day after the Pope had passed away. Upon arrival, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and Princess Caroline were welcomed by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David, who presided over the mass. A three-day mourning period has been declared in Monaco, with flags flying at half-mast and a minute of silence observed on Friday, April 25, the eve of the funeral of Pope Francis.
