Monaco’s Children celebrate Christmas at the Palace and other princely news
‘Princess Gabriella’ Ship gets a Royal Christening
On Wednesday 16 December, the Princely family attended the christening of a new ship for the Maritime and Airport Police Division, the ‘Princess Gabriella’. In the presence of the highest authorities of the Principality, after a blessing by Monsignor David Archbishop of Monaco, HSH Princess Gabriella released a cord which broke a bottle (made of nougatine) on the hull of the ship, as the maritime tradition demands.
The ‘Princess Gabriella’, a 24 metre long vessel, will strengthen missions by Maritime Police and perform rescues and research at sea, fight against marine pollution in the Mediterranean and strengthen cross-border control and port security.
Monaco’s Children celebrate Christmas at the Princely Palace
On Wednesday 16 December, the Princely family welcomed the youngest Monegasques into the Princely Palace for a traditional Christmas celebration. The distribution of gifts took place outdoors for the first time, in the Court d’Honneur, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. A pine tree forest, traditional nativity scene, Santa’s sleigh, jugglers and acrobats livened up the holiday afternoon. Nearly 700 children, aged 5 to 12, received their gifts from Their Highnesses accompanied by Their children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
Because of the current health context, a strict protocol was observed: temperatures were taken, hands were disinfected at the entrance to the Palace and masks were compulsory.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene visit Nursery Schools for Christmas
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene made special holiday visits to the Rosine Sanmori Nursery School in Fontvieille and the Princess Charlene Home for Children in Monte-Carlo. In the presence of Frederic Platini, the Monaco Red Cross Secretary General, each child received a gift and sweets from the hands of the Prince and Princess. This year, due to the pandemic, the children could not perform their annual show.
Prince Albert is awarded L’Aigla Nissarda in Nice
On Friday 11 December, HSH Prince Albert was decorated with the “Golden Eagle” at Villa Masséna in Nice by François Daure, President of the “Aigla Nissarda” order. The ceremony took place in the presence of Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, who was also honoured on the occasion.
The Golden Eagle is the main distinction of the Aigla Nissarda, an order created in 1962 to honour people attached to the City of Nice who contribute to its influence and development. François Daure relaunched the prestigious distinction this year, which was created by Léon Baréty (his uncle) in 1962.
