Prince Albert II makes Historic Visit to Rome
The Sovereign was welcomed to Rome by Monaco’s ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood, on 26 September. Prince Albert II then visited the Trinità dei Monti convent and church on Pincio hill. The church was inaugurated in 1725 by Cardinal Melchior de Polignac, French ambassador to Rome at the time, and Prince Albert’s paternal ancestor.
The Sovereign then visited Villa Medici, seat of the Académie de France in Rome since 1806. There, a partnership was signed between the Academy and the Consultative Commission for the Collections and Artistic Heritage of the Palace of Monaco. The collaboration means a new, annual scholarship entitled the “Prince of Monaco – Villa Medici Scholarship” will support a resident artist of the Academy by commissioning a work.
Prince Albert II signs agreement with the International Olympic Committee in New York
At the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the International Olympic Committee are joining forces to promote the emergence of tomorrow’s leaders. The agreement was signed in the Mission of Monaco to the United Nations offices by the Sovereign, Marie Sallois, Corporate Director of the IOC, Thomas Bach, IOC President and Olivier Wenden, Vice-President of the FPA2. The signing was during the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week, on Monday 23 September. The agreement is a way for both institutions to move forward together for the protection of the environment by sharing the values of sport as a driving force for a sustainable future.
Prince Albert II receives the Magna Grecia Prize in Rome
During his trip to Rome, Prince Albert II was awarded the prestigious Magna Grecia Prize at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. This distinction recognizes his international commitment to environmental protection, as well as his support for sports and culture. The prize also recognizes his work promoting the South of Italy through the Historic Grimaldi Sites network.
In his speech, the Sovereign touched upon Rainier I who had received the barony of San Demetrio from Robert I in 1309. Prince Albert II said he was very happy to have received three titles of doctor honoris causa in Palermo, Naples and Reggio di Calabria.
On 27 September, the princely delegation was received at the Palazzo Corsini (ex-Riario), which was the residence of Prince Louis I of Monaco from October 1699 until his death in January 1701. The Prince unveiled a plaque in memory of his ancestor alongside the already existent plaque dedicated to Queen Christina of Sweden, who lived in the same Palace two centuries later. A painting that belonged to the private collection of Prince Jacques I of Monaco was also presented to the Sovereign.
Prince Albert II inaugurates the Monaco Yacht Show
The 33rd Monaco Yacht Show was inaugurated by Prince Albert II on 25 September. During his visit, Prince Albert II received a donation of €53,000 from the Monaco Yacht Show for the Prince Albert II Foundation. For three days, the Port Hercule was transformed into a showcase of superyachts, averaging 50 metres in length (with some mega-yachts sprawling over 100 metres).
Around forty new launches took place between 560 exhibitors of top designers, naval architects, equipment manufacturers and experts. Twenty-five conferences about various nautical topics touched upon everything from hi-speed voyages to artificial intelligence to how to cook the perfect meal at sea.
Charlotte Casiraghi speaks candidly to The Telegraph
In an interview with UK news website The Telegraph, published on 14 September, Charlotte Casiraghi said that she “tries to detach herself from royal status”. The Chanel ambassador spoke about her childhood, her career, and how she learned to reconcile her princely status with her quest for personal freedom. She said that although ‘official representation’ is important to her family, it puts pressure on her and makes her feel judged by others. One healthy method of escape that she mentioned was delving into the literary world and reading a lot of women authors, which has helped her in her quest to free herself from certain conventions, expectations and judgements.
Princess Caroline and Princess Alexandra visit Espace Léo Ferré for the Last Time
The Princess of Hanover and her daughter attended“Léo Ferré’s Last Photo Exhibition at Espace Léo Ferré – Seen Through the Lens of Hubert Grooteclaes” before Espace Léo Ferré closed its doors for good. The exhibition retraced the 46-year career of the Monegasque singer through numerous photos captured by the Belgian photographer. Léo Ferré released some forty albums during his lifetime and had many hits, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. Princes Albert II attended a private viewing of the exhibition before it opened.
Prince Albert II speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York
The Sovereign spoke at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly during his three-day stay in New York. Bringing together the 193 member states, this year’s annual meeting was held under the theme of “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations”.
Prince Albert II also gave a speech at the ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Future’ summit, held at the UN headquarters. The Sovereign stated that Peace is our most precious asset and without it, it is impossible to ensure access to the most fundamental human rights.
“Bringing back peace and security is therefore a collective and urgent responsibility,” said Prince Albert II at the United Nations Headquarters.
Prince Albert II visits the Council of Europe
Prince Albert II visited Strasbourg to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. The Principality joined the institution on 5 October 2004, becoming the 46th Member State. Upon his arrival at the Council of Europe, the Prince was welcomed by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Counsellor – Minister of External Relations and Cooperation.
Firstly, the Sovereign Prince attended the ceremony of ratification of Protocol No. 16 by Monaco to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights. After an interview with the Secretary General, the Prince and his delegation visited a multimedia exhibition retracing the history of Monaco’s accession. The princely visit ended with the unveiling of a collaborative work by artist Mr One TEAS, which the Prince contributed to. Entitled “Ode to Freedom”, this work represents an open window on human rights and was offered to the Council of Europe.
