Prince Albert’s Historical Visits to New York and Italy and other princely news

Prince Albert II drives a 1967 Lamborghini Marzal

The legendary Lamborghini Marzal was driven in public for the first time in 51 years by the Prince of Monaco. Prince Albert II drove around the Monaco Grand Prix in the futuristic looking 1967 Lamborghini Marzal prototype. It is no ordinary Lamborghini, but the very same one that Prince Rainier III, with Princess Grace by his side, made the legendary lap of honour in on the same track back in 1967. Pictures of the royal couple in the Marzal were extremely popular around the world, making the unique model even more legendary. Prince Albert II took the extraordinary vehicle out of retirement, to the joy of the crowd, as he made the traditional lap of honour for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, and was accompanied by his nephews Andrea Casiraghi and Louis Ducruet.

Prince Albert II receives Ellis Island Medal of Honour

Ellis Island, not far from the Statue of Liberty, symbolized a new and better life for millions of people.  It was the main point of entry for immigrants entering the USA until 1954, immigrants like the maternal ancestors of Prince Albert II.  The Prince recently visited Ellis Island and was awarded the Medal of Honour from the Ellis Island Honour Society.  Proud of his American roots, Prince Albert described the experience of discovering records which noted the exact moment his ancestors entered the United States, as extremely moving.

Nasser J Kazeminy, President of the Ellis Island Honour Society, said that Prince Albert has done so much for humanity and was proud to honour someone with such a big heart.  Prince Albert now joins other leaders who have received the medal, including seven American presidents, numerous International Presidents and Nobel Prize winners.

The documents marking the passage of his ancestors through New York were also awarded to the Prince, as well as the documents about Prince Rainier’s visit to the United States in the 1950’s during his engagement to Grace Kelly, and their departure together to Europe, where her destiny as Princess Grace awaited.

Prince Albert’s Historical Visit to Italy

Prince Albert II visited ancient family monuments that belonged to his ancestors all over Italy.  The Prince visited Campagna, which was once a stronghold of the Grimaldi House from 1532 to 1641. At that time, to consolidate the alliance of Grimaldi under the protection of the Hapsburg of Spain, Emperor Charles V granted the Marquisate of Campagna to the lords of Monaco. In 1641, the fief of Campagna was withdrawn because the Princes of Monaco broke with Spain and placed themselves under the protection of France.

During the 109 years of Grimaldi administration, Campagna became an important economic and cultural centre. This period is considered the golden century of the city.  Many religious and civil buildings were built and the first literary academies appeared. A heritage that the sovereign was able to experience during his visit to the city, guided by Mayor Roberto Monaco.  The Prince then unveiled a new sign for the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network and made a speech to the public.

Prince Albert II visits Bardi

One of the first stops on the Prince’s visit to Italy was Bardi, a small town in the province of Parma. The sovereign was greeted by a crowd of residents who came to see their princely guest before he was given a tour of the town by Mayor Valentina Pontromoli.

Prince Albert visited the Bardi castle, where his ancestor Prince Honoré II stayed during his youth in the seventeenth century.  Honoré II of Monaco became Prince in 1612 and spent time in Bardi until his marriage in 1616. The castle was updated a few years ago with a fresco representing the coat of arms and various possessions of Prince Honoré II of Monaco.  As Prince Albert visited the castle, a plaque commemorating the Princely visit was unveiled.

Prince Albert II receives Honorary Doctorate in Naples

While visiting Naples, Prince Albert was awarded an honorary doctorate at the Villa Doria d’Angri, from Parthénope University, for his work in promoting biodiversity, sustainable development and fighting global warming.

During his acceptance speech in front of students from the university, the Prince said he was particularly proud to receive the distinction in an institution dedicated to environmental issues, especially concerning marine life.  The Prince continued his speech by saying that people living in Naples, as in Monaco, have the privilege ofseeing how important the marine world is, through the daily spectacle of the Mediterranean, knowing how precious it is, how fragile it is.

Princess Charlene on the cover of South African Magazine

Princess Charlene of Monaco is on the cover of the June 2018 edition of Rooi Rose women’s magazine.  She also gave an interview to the Afrikaans publication describing how difficult things were for her when she first started dating Prince Albert in 2006, because she overheard many people criticize her, scrutinize her and push her into the background.  But throughout that difficult time, her one true ally was Prince Albert, her future husband, who was very supportive of Princess Charlene and did everything he could to help her.