As part of the Sovereign’s trips to regions historically linked with the Grimaldi Family, Prince Albert II travelled to Southern Italy on 3 October. He visited the region of Calabria and the towns of Taurianova, Terranova Sappo Minulio and Seminara.
In Terranova Sappo Minulio, the Prince was greeted by the mayor, Ettore Tigani before unveiling a “Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco” sign at the entrance to the village. A welcome ceremony was organized in the central square, where local authorities presented the Sovereign with an honorary citizenship.
Prince Albert II then headed to the Maria Santissima Assunta church to watch the Gazzana sisters in concert. The duo played a piece in honour of the Prince on the piano and violin. The visit concluded with a tasting of local specialties.
In the afternoon, Prince Albert II visited Seminara, another Grimaldi stronghold. The Grimaldis of Calabria descend from Lanfranco Grimaldi, including Bartholomew, who founded the branch which settled in southern Italy. Rainier, brother of Bartholomew, was the first lord of Monaco. In the 16th century, a Grimaldi from the Calabria branch became the lord of Seminara.
Prince Albert II speaks at the Grand Ocean Festival
Prince Albert II made a passionate speech about preserving the oceans during the opening of the Grand Ocean Festival on 29 September at La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg. The Prince touched upon his support of the Tara Océan Foundation, which is constructing a floating polar station at the Chantiers Mécaniques de Normandie.
Prince Albert II also participated in a round table discussion about the project, along with Romain Troublé, director of the Tara Océan Foundation. Before the festival, the Prince visited the shipyard where the Tara Polar Station is being constructed.
Prince Albert II is awarded the prestigious Golden Trident
Prince Albert II was distinguished by the International Academy of Underwater Sciences and Techniques on 2 October when he was presented with the Golden Trident for his commitment to preserving the oceans. Paolo Ferraro, president of the academy, presented the trophy to the Prince, whose foundation is behind several ocean preservation initiatives.
The Academy has awarded the prize to over 200 personalities, scientists and pioneers since 1960, including Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Walt Disney, Jacques Piccard and Enzo Maiorca.
Prince Albert II inaugurates the Honoria Nursey School
The new Honoria early childhood centre, which opened last month, received a special visit from Prince Albert II. Located on the ground floor of the Honoria Palace, the nursery school welcomes children aged 0-3 mainly from the Moneghetti and Jardin Exotique districts. The establishment is divided into three sections for different age groups and can accommodate up to 36 children.
A director, a young children’s educator and eight teachers make up the nursery school’s team. To keep up with demand, two more nursery schools are scheduled to open in Monaco, including the Ida nursery school (2025) and the Bel-Air nursery school (2027).
Princely Family attends Smile Day in Monaco
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella attended the 2nd Smile Day on the Place d’Armes on 6 October. Several fun and educational activities took place in support of Monaco’s Les Smileys Association.
The Association provides toys, called Smileys, to children’s health and security services, including the paediatrics department of the Princess Grace Hospital, the Police Department and the Firefighters of Monaco. The teddy bears help soothe children during difficult situations, including when victims of physical and/or sexual violence have to testify to the police.
Prince Albert II pays Tribute to Victims on the Third Anniversary of Storm Alex
Prince Albert II will be making a symbolic visit to Piène-Haute, Breil-sur-Roya, and Olivetta San Michele (Italy) on Monday 9 October, roughly three years after Storm Alex shook the area. In Piène-Haute, after visiting the Saint-Marc church, the Prince will meet the locals before heading to Olivetta, where a reception will be held in the city council chambers. In October 2021, the Prince paid tribute to the victims of storm Alex in Breil.
Princess Caroline visits Monaco’s 54th Floral Competition
The Princess of Hanover visited the Garden Club of Monaco’s 54th Floral Competition, which took place in the Riva tunnel. 70 participants from across Europe created bouquets on the theme of the circus. Princess Caroline took the time to chat with every single participant. Colourful arrangements depicted trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, clowns and circus animals in honour of Prince Rainier III and his love of the circus.
Princely Couple welcomes ‘Only Watch’ at the Princely Palace
Only Watch founder, Luc Pettavino, along with other members of the Only Watch community (watchmakers, donors, partners, media and researchers) were welcomed at the Prince’s Palace by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The Only Watch collection of unique watch pieces had made a stopover in the Principality for the Monaco Yacht Show.
The Sovereign has been committed to the Only Watch auction since its first edition. Proceeds from the auction are donated to research Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other genetic diseases. This 2023 edition will be the tenth anniversary of the project. In total, 62 lots will go under the hammer on 5 November in Geneva.
Princess Charlene Foundation goes to the Sospel Swimming Pool
Over fifty children from Sospel schools participated in the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s latest swimming lesson as part of the “Sospel Natation Azur” project. Diplomas, medals and swimming caps in the Foundation’s colours were given to each child in the presence of Gareth Wittstock, general secretary of the Princess Charlene Foundation.
The project, launched last year, aims to teach swimming as part of the school curriculum to children in the city as well as in the municipalities of Breil-sur-Roya and Moulinet.
This year, 400 children from kindergarten to 6th grade acquired the minimum skills to ensure their safety in the water and perform the “Sauv’Nage” test approved by the French Swimming School.
