Monaco Celebrates Prince's Day with Traditional Pageantry and Unity

Monaco celebrated Prince's Day with grandeur and solemnity on Tuesday, November 19, under the azure skies that adorned the principality. The day was dedicated to honoring HSH Prince Albert II and the Princely Family, with the French Republican Guard featured as the guest of honor. The day commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at Monaco Cathedral, led by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David. Attended by Prince Albert II, HSH Princess Charlene, and other royal family members, the ceremony was elevated by the harmonious performances of the Petits Chanteurs de Monaco and the Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Pierre Debat.

The celebratory spirit continued at the Prince's Palace Cour d’Honneur, where a ceremony at 11:00 AM recognized the exemplary service of Monaco’s public servants. Key moments included the promotion of Brigadier Michaël Denhez to Quartermaster and the bestowal of the Order of Saint-Charles on Captain Hervé Matu and Warrant Officer Stéphan Combaluzier. Additionally, long-standing Palace personnel such as Emmanuel Alleaume and Simone Gomes Figueiredo were honored with Work Medals, acknowledging their unwavering dedication.

The festivities reached their zenith with a majestic military parade in the Palace Square, where the Princely Family, from the Palace balconies, observed the disciplined formations of Monaco’s Force Publique. The parade was notably enhanced by the participation of the French Republican Guard, including a standout performance by the 1st Infantry Regiment and a musical interlude by the French Army Choir. This year’s parade also commemorated the 80th anniversary of Monaco’s Liberation, adding a layer of historical homage to the celebration of tradition and national pride.