The Sovereign visited Bathenay, Montrésor and Bridoré on 6 and 7 May to rediscover lesser-known ancestor of the Grimaldi family. The tour began on Wednesday, when Prince Albert II visited Bathenay, a village of 250 inhabitants. He was welcomed by the Prefect of the Drôme and Mayor Denis Deroux, before visiting the recently renovated interpretive museum space, the creation of which benefited from Prince Albert II’s patronage. The site recounts the epic story of Imbert de Batarnay (1438-1523) who served as advisor and diplomat to four successive French kings, from Louis XI to Francis I, during the Italian Wars.
In the late afternoon, the Sovereign traveled to Montrésor, in Indre-et-Loire, where Imbert de Batarnay had settled in 1493. Prince Albert II paid his respects before the effigy of his ancestor in the collegiate church before addressing the crowds gathered in the castle grounds. Later that day, in Loches, he met with three business leaders from the department, all specializing in technology.
On Thursday, in Bridoré, the Sovereign unveiled a plaque commemorating the site’s membership in the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network, alongside Mayor Murielle Coutrot. He then visited the town’s fortress and its keep before an official ceremony on the town hall steps. Prince Albert II then traveled to Saumur to pay tribute to his great-grandfather, Louis II.
Prince Albert II celebrates World Military Sport Week on the Palace Square
Prince Albert II welcomed 79 military delegations to the Palace Square during the 81st General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) which was hosted by Monaco for one week, from 3 May until 9 May. The Sovereign, the Prince’s Carabiniers and the Carabiniers Orchestra welcomed high-ranking officers, chiefs of staff, and institutional representatives from all five continents on Tuesday 5 May.
After the ceremony on the Place du Palais, a mini rugby sevens tournament was organized at the Stade Louis II. The CISM’s motto is “Friendship through Sport,”and its aim is to bring armed forces from around the world closer together by using sports as a tool for dialogue. Monaco joined the CISM in 2010.
Prince Albert II speaks during European Summit in Armenia
The Sovereign participated in the 8th European Political Community summit in Yerevan, alongside forty heads of state and government, on Monday 4 May. Prince Albert II spoke during a debate on the link between ecological transitions and economic security. He then participated in discussions about the European coalition against drugs, which aims to structure the continent’s response to drug trafficking and the financial circuits that fuel it.
Between sessions, the Prince held meetings with Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Andorran Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora. Created in 2022 at the initiative of Emmanuel Macron, the European Political Community brings together the continent’s leaders twice a year.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene honoured at International Military Sports Gala
The Princely Couple attended the closing gala dinner for the 81st General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on Thursday 7 May. The evening was marked by the presentation of two awards at the highest level in the Principality.
Louis and Marie Ducruet and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy were also in attendance.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were presented awards by Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim, President of the CISM. Princess Charlene was elevated to the rank of Grand Officer of the CISM Order of Merit for her commitment to sport and international solidarity. Prince Albert II was named an Honorary Member of the CISM, in recognition of Monaco’s unwavering commitment to the values of peace and friendship.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attend 90th Birthday Party at the Yacht Club
The Princely couple celebrated the 90th birthday of Alexander “Mogy” Moghadam, a close friend and long-time supplier to the Palace, on 1 May at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Tennis legend Boris Becker and Alexander Moghadam’s friends and family were among the guests. For the occasion, Princess Charlene wore the ‘Misty’ sequinned blouse by Jenny Packham.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline attend 57th International Bouquet Competition
The Sovereign and the Princess of Hanover toured that stands of the 57th International Bouquet Competition of the Garden Club of Monaco at the Yacht Club on 9 and 10 May. Held under the theme “Celestial,” the competition welcomed amateur and professional designers from all over the world, with an additional category for young talent ages 6 to 14.
The competition is held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II and the Presidency of Princess Caroline of Hanover, who gave out the awards to the winners. The competition was created in 1968 by Princess Grace to promote floral art and the beauty of flowers in the Principality
Princess Caroline visits Jeune J’écoute Organization in Monaco
The Princess of Hanover visited Monaco’s Jeune J’écoute to meet staff, volunteers, and the young people supported by the organization on 6 May. Princess Caroline, Honorary President of the organization, spoke with the teams working daily with young people and their families. Through listening services and close guidance, Jeune J’écoute works with children, teenagers, and families across Monaco to provide emotional support, counselling, and a safe space during difficult periods.
Princess Charlene releases Red-footed Falcon in Caussols
Princess Charlene, accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, participated in the release of a red-footed falcon at the Calern Plateau Astronomical Observatory in the municipality of Caussols on Monday 11 May. The rare bird of prey was rehabilitated thanks to eight months of intensive care and rehabilitation by the Instinct Animal SOS Wildlife Care Centre. The bird had suffered a severe wing fracture and electrocution, injuries that often lead to euthanasia. The migratory bird, which travels between Asia and South Africa, has now regained its freedom to rejoin its flock.
In her speech, Princess Charlene praised the essential work carried out daily by animal caregivers and volunteers. The Princess then traveled to Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne to visit the Instinct Animal SOS Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Open since 30 June 2025, the unique facility in the Alpes-Maritimes region has already taken in nearly 2,000 wild animals in distress.
