Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene celebrate St. Devote Day and other news
The Princely couple attended traditional celebrations for St. Devote Day on 27 January 2024. At 10 am, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended the Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral, chaired by Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio. Afterwards, the Princely Family greeted local crowds from the balcony of the Prince’s Palace. The celebrations are one of the oldest traditions in the Principality and honour Sainte-Dévote, patron Saint of Monaco.
Princely Family burn the St. Devote Boat
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella, Prince Jacques and Melanie-Antoinette de Massy attended the traditional boat burning ceremony on Quai Albert I in Monaco on Friday 26 January 2024.
Under Honoré II, in the 17th century, Saint Devote became the patron of Monaco. 150 years ago, in 1874, the tradition of burning a boat began in the presence of the Sovereign and the Princely Family. This year, the celebrations were marked by the presence of representatives from three municipalities twinned with Monaco: Lucciana, Dolceacqua (Italy) and Ostend (Belgium).
Happy 46th Birthday, Princess Charlene!
Princess Charlene celebrated her 46th birthday on 25 January with her husband Prince Albert II and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, at the Condamine Market. An official photo was shared on the Prince’s Palace of Monaco social media account with the caption: “This Thursday 25 January, HSH Princess Charlene celebrated her birthday with her family at the Condamine Market.”
Prince Albert II inaugurates the New Police Headquarters
The freshly renovated and expanded headquarters for Monaco’s Police was officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II. The Prince then toured the premises before a traditional ceremony in the presence of about 200 personalities in the new salon d’honneur. After speeches by the Director of the Police Department, Richard Marangoni and Deputy Director, Régis Bastide, the Sovereign thanked the officials and referred to an ever more modern, more effective and closer police force. Renovations began in 2015 and certain sectors had to make a temporary move to the Louis-II stadium.
Prince Albert II attends the Princess Grace Hospital’s Outlook Event for 2024
The Princess Grace Hospital took stock of the past year and looked ahead to its upcoming plans during a traditional ceremony in the presence of the Sovereign and officials on 22 January. The CHPG’s director, Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, painted a picture of 2023 and unveiled the outlook for 2024.
Last year saw the demolition of Bel Air and the start of construction of the new hospital next to the Louis II. The last two years saw the departure of four department head and seven others will be leaving in the next two years. According to the Director, the long-awaited New Hospital will be met with new, innovative organisations, guaranteeing a caring environment for patients and professionals.
Chris Ingram unveils his new Rally Car with Prince Albert II
Rally driver Chris Ingram unveiled his new car in the presence of Prince Albert II. The Manchester-born racer entered in the World Rally Championship 2. The first British Rally Driver in 52 years to become FIA European Rally Champion, he decided to reveal the design of his car in Monaco. In the presence of a distinguished guest, Chris Ingram unveiled his Skoda Fabia RS, painted in Monaco’s colours. The driver was supported by his Irish co-driver, Hannah McKillop, during the 92nd Monte-Carlo Rally, which took place from 25 to 28 January 2024..
