Princess Stephanie, Godmother of the Prince’s Carabiniers, presented the Corps badges to two Carabiniers cadets from the Jules Rigoard Class, at the helicopter landing pad at the Moneghetti Barracks on 26 May 2026. The young recruits had already taken their oaths to HSH Prince Albert II and his family on 4 May 2026.
“The new Carabiniers accepted a demanding but profoundly noble mission: to serve the Sovereign Family and the Principality with ‘Honor, Fidelity, and Devotion,’ as stated in the Corps’ motto,” said the Princely Palace in a recent press release.
The military ceremony took place in the presence of Police Colonel Tony Varo, Fire Brigade Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, and the families of the new recruits.
After a welcome speech from Lieutenant-Colonel Martial Pied, Chief of the Brigade, and the troop review, the Company Flag was presented to the new Carabiniers.
Princess Stephanie then presented the two new recruits with their insignias, which were blessed by Father Christian Venard, Chaplain of the Force Publique. The ceremony concluded with the Monegasque anthem performed by the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra.
In Honour of a Carabinier “Killed in Action”
This year’s intake of recruits was named in honour of Jules Rigoard, a member of the Palace Guards who served Monaco and France during the First World War. Enlisting in 1913, he joined the French army upon the general mobilization of August 1914.
Assigned to the 1st Mountain Artillery Regiment, he participated in the Champagne offensive of 1915. His unit distinguished itself by its courage in particularly difficult battles. Having contracted tuberculosis while on duty, he was discharged in October 1915. He died on 4 November 1915, from complications of this disease.
Recognized as “Killed in Action for France,” he embodies the sacrifice and sense of duty of the soldiers of the Great War. His memory remains closely linked to the traditions and history of the Carabiniers Corps.
