Prince Albert II commemorates 163rd anniversary of Battle of Camerone in Aubagne
The Sovereign visited Aubagne for a day steeped in tradition alongside the French Foreign Legion on Thursday 30 April 2026 to commemorate a battle that took place on 30 April 1863, in Mexico. This year, the theme chosen by the French Foreign Legion was “the nobility of service”. The Sovereign’s presence at this commemoration reflected the historical ties between the Principality of Monaco and the French Foreign Legion, inherited in particular from Prince Louis II of Monaco’s service in its ranks at the beginning of the 20th century.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline attend Opening of Monaco Art Week
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline attended the opening day of Monaco Art Week at the New National Museum of Monaco’s Villa Paloma on 27 April 2026. Created by galleries, auction houses, and key players in the art world, Monaco Art Week offers an artistic journey through several iconic districts of the Principality, and took place until 1 May 2026.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attend 1st Monaco Rugby Sevens Tournament
The Princely Couple attended the inaugural Monaco Sevens Rugby Tournament at the Prince Héréditaire Jacques Stadium in Beausoleil on 1 May. Organized by the Monegasque Rugby Federation and AS Monaco Rugby, with the support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the rugby sevens competition brought together women’s and men’s teams from Monaco and abroad.
President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, Princess Charlene officially kicked off the Elite Men’s tournament alongside Antoine Zeghdar, patron of the event and an ambassador for her Foundation. The Princely Couple presented the winning trophy to Seventise, who won against UAE Shaheen with a score of 35–14.
Princess Charlene Inaugurates Peille Animal Shelter Renovations
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Stephanie inaugurated the newly renovated Monaco S.P.A. Animal Shelter in Peille on 29 April. Camille Gottlieb, Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, and Gareth Wittstock were also in attendance. The event featured an unveiling of a bust of Princess Antoinette of Monaco, who founded the association 50 years ago.
Spearheaded by Princess Charlene, President of the shelter since September 2022, the renovations were carried out with the support of the Prince’s Government, the National Council, and private donors. Renovations included the creation of three outdoor areas, a retractable awning to increase sunlight in the kennels, planting greenery in the indoor parks, and the installation of a “cat lounge” to encourage socialization among the felines.
Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo visit Jacky Ickx’s Legendary Ferrari
Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo and their two sons visited the Ferrari team during the 15th Monaco Historic Grand Prix on 25 April 2026. The nephew of Prince Albert II and his family admired Jacky Ickx’s legendary 1968 Ferrari 312 F1. Their sons, Stefano and Francesco, aged 9 and 7, were given a private demonstration of the booming roar of the Ferrari engine before Jacky Ickx participated in the Cavallino Classic Monaco Ferrari Parade. The single-seater carried the Belgian driver to victory during the French Grand Prix in Rouen in 1968.
Prince Albert II visits L’Étoile French Navy Ship
During a stopover in Monaco, the Sovereign went aboard the training schooner L’Étoile, which was moored at the Yacht Club of Monaco as part of celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the French Navy (1626).
Welcomed by Lieutenant Commander Victor Kaars Sijpesteijn, Prince Albert II was accompanied by French Ambassador to Monaco, Jean d’Haussonville. Built in 1932 at the Fécamp shipyards, L’Étoile is a 34-metre, 275-ton topsail schooner, inspired by the Paimpol schooners that fished for cod off the coast of Iceland. Along with her sister ship, La Belle Poule, L’Étoile is the last French Navy vessel to have served with the Free French Naval Forces during World War II. Based at the Naval Academy in Brest, L’Étoile helps train officer cadets at sea, in a vessel far removed from modern technology.
Prince Albert II drives Bugatti Royale on the Monaco Historic Grand Prix circuit
The Monaco Historic Grand Prix began in style when HSH Prince Albert II drove the first lap of the circuit in a Bugatti Type 41, also known as the “Bugatti Royale,” on Saturday 25 April 2026. The lap also celebrated the Bugatti Royale’s centenary (1926-2026). The Sovereign drove the inaugural lap accompanied by Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, and Michel Ferry, Vice-President of the Automobile Club of Monaco.
Belonging to Ettore Bugatti himself, the Bugatti Royale was acquired by the Schlumpf brothers in 1963. Prince Albert II saw the vehicle when he visited Mulhouse and the National Automobile Museum in October 2024.
Following its appearance on the Monaco circuit, the Bugatti Royale was presented to the public at the Automobile Collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco from 27 April to 3 May. Its next stop is the Top Marques show, where it will be displayed on the Collection’s stand from 7 to 10 May 2026 before returning to its home in Mulhouse.
