National Day of Monaco: long live the Prince!

“Hip-Hip Hooray!” “Hip-Hip hooray!”, – this was how the residents and guests of the Principality saluted the National Day of Monaco, which is traditionally celebrated on November 19. This date is associated with the Day of Saint Rainier, which during the reign of Prince Rainier III was chosen to celebrate National Day. After the death of the ruler, Albert II decided to keep the same date as an honor to his father.

9:30 – The residents of Monaco gathered at the Palace Square in anticipation of the arrival of the members of the princely family, who were coming to attend the Mass in Saint Nicolas Cathedral. Earlier in the morning, the traditional honorary march of the Prince’s carabineers took place in the Royal palace.

10:00 – Andrea and Tatiana Casiraghi, Charlotte Casiraghi, Louis Ducruet and Gareth Wittstock, brother of Princess Charlene of Monaco, headed to the solemn mass in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.

11:11 – The Marching of the Column takes place at the Cathedral a few minutes before the end of the church ceremony.

11:20 – Prince Albert II accompanied Princess Charlene, who, as always, shines with elegance. This year, Charlene chose a blue velvet coat, in combination with a wide-brimmed black hat, leather gloves and heels in a royal blue color. Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline attended the mass as well.

11:50 – The march of the column of carabineers military band and paratroopers took place at Place du Palais.

12: 00 – The medals ceremony was held where civil servants were rewarded by Prince Albert II for their faithful service toward the prosperity of the state. “Ordre de la Couronne” is awarded in 5 classes: Les Grands Croix (the highest degree of distinction), Les Grands Officiers, Les Commandeurs, Les Officiers and Les Chevaliers (cavalry);

12:10 – The Prince’s carabineers military orchestra in celebration of the National Day of Monaco distinguished itself with an original innovation, performing several musical compositions accompanied by a children’s choir. The Prince’s joy was evident; apparently, such a creative performance caught him a little by surprise!

12:30 – The final march of the Armed Forces of Monaco was on display in all its glory! It started with the Prince’s carabineers and the fire department of the principality, who put on a parade with their current and their traditional uniforms. Moreover, the occasion enabled Monaco to put on show all types of transport used in the service of the Principality, starting from motorcycles of the carabineers and fire trucks, and ending with the newest version of the ambulance in service with the fire department of the Principality. The key part of the march was the company of paratroopers, led by the commander-in-chief holding an immense female eagle named Malizia. This brown and white bird with a wingspan of 2.10 m is the mascot of the 17th Parachute regiment of Montauban. It is interesting to know that the eagle was donated to the military by Princess Caroline.

12:40 – According to tradition under the exclamations of the patriotic crowd shouting “Glory to Prince Albert II!”, the Prince rises on the central balcony with his wife in order to greet and congratulate residents and celebrate the National holiday with them!

It was hard not to notice the most patriotic subjects in the crowd, dressed in red and white outfits, the residents of the Principality proudly declaring their loyalty to this miniature country.

On this special day, HelloMonaco witnessed a very cute and humorous recently emerged aspiration to be in accord with a new style of grooming. We are all aware that Prince Albert II serves not just as leading role model for residents of the principality, but also as a “legislator” of fresh fashion trends. Not so long ago the Prince tried on a new look – a mustache; as a result, most of the men close to the royal family grew a mustache too, as did, for example, Princess Stefanie’s son Louis Ducruet. With wonderful effect, carabineers and firemen, who did not have time to grow a new “accessory” before the festive parade, successfully glued one on! Did we witness a fashion blip solely for this unique celebration in 2017 or have the roots (excuse the pun) taken place for a fashion trend in personal grooming that will dominate 2018? We will see very soon!