Prince Albert II, accompanied by Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella, shared his traditional New Year’s address for 2026 from the Prince’s Palace on 31 December.
“As the world prepares to close the book on 2025 and open that of 2026, I would like to extend to each and every one of you my best wishes for health, success, and happiness,” said the Prince in his three-minute address.
The Sovereign touched upon several highlights from Monaco’s past year, including the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, tennis, sailing, equestrian and swimming events, Formula 1 and the 20th Anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign.
“My dear fellow citizens, dear residents, dear friends, as I look ahead to 2026, I have a special thought for those among us who are suffering, in body or soul. And also, I want to express my affection to Princess Charlene, to my family, and our support of everyone. United when things are going well, we know how to be united also during more painful times,” said Prince Albert II in his New Year’s address, “together, we will make 2026 a great and wonderful year for Monaco and for all of us. Happy New Year! Long live Monaco!”
Charlotte Casiraghi publishes New Novel: La Fêlure (The Crack)
Charlotte Casiraghi recently received copies of her first solo book, which will be published by Éditions Julliard on 29 January. Titled La Fêlure (The Crack), the book is a series of sensitive literary and philosophical reflections. In the book, Casiraghi evokes unique aspects of lived experiences based on texts by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I. Bachmann, Colette, M. Duras, A. Akhmatova, B. Moitessier and J.J. Cale. Charlotte Casiraghi co-authored one other philosophical book, L’Archipel des Passions in 2018, with Robert Maggiori.
Princess Alexandra on Vacation in Mexico
Princess Alexandra of Hanover kicked off the New Year with a holiday in Mexico with her boyfriend, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann. On 3 January 2026, the 26-year-old daughter of Princess Caroline shared a carousel of photos from her getaway on instagram. In the photos, Princess Caroline’s daughter can be seen wearing two different outfits designed by the Muzungu Sisters. The brand was founded by her sister-in-law, Tatiana Santo Domingo.
Prince Albert II dispatches his Condolences after Deadly Fire in Switzerland
The Sovereign and the Princely Government sent their condolences to the President of Switzerland after a deadly fire killed forty people in Crans-Montana.
“The Principality of Monaco learned with deep emotion of the fire that occurred in Crans-Montana. The Sovereign Prince and the Prince’s government extend their support and solidarity to the government of the Swiss Confederation, local authorities and all the services involved. The Principality expresses its compassion to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy, and shares their grief. The Principality of Monaco stands with the Swiss people in these difficult times,” wrote the Prince’s Palace of Monaco in an official dispatch.
Princess Caroline of Monaco’s first Husband has Died
The Princess of Hanover’s first husband, Philippe Junot, passed away on 8 January 2026, in Madrid at the age of 85.
Princess Caroline married Philippe Junot in June 1978. He was seventeen years her senior.
The marriage lasted two years and the couple’s divorce was finalized on 9 October 1980. In 1983, Princess Caroline remarried Stefano Casiraghi, with whom she had three children.
Philippe Junot was remarried in 1988 to Nina Wendelboe-Larsen, who bore him three children: Victoria, Isabelle, and Alexis Junot. On 9 January 2026, Victoria Junot announced the death of her father on social media.
“With an emotional heart, sad to announce the passing of my father. He departed this side of the world peacefully, surrounded by family on Jan 8, 2026 in Madrid after a long beautiful adventurous life. A grandfather of 3, almost 4. To my legendary Papa, oh how we love you we will miss you, no adequate words… thank you for all the laughs and the adventures….thank you for your love which will never leave us….A difficult chapter to close but we will continue smiling and living and laughing to the max just as he would want us all to do. Until we meet again,” wrote Victoria Junot.
