Prince Albert II speaks to Catholic Newspaper before Pope’s Visit
The Sovereign spoke to Catholic daily newspaper La Croix, a few days before the visit of Pope Leo XIV, on 25 March. Prince Albert II spoke about what an immense honour is was for the Pope to choose a date to visit Monaco so soon after he was invited.
Prince Albert II also reflected on the Principality’s Catholic roots and spoke about his personal faith, which was passed down to him from his parents. The Prince regularly speaks with Archbishop Dominique-Marie David about various subjects, including the paradox between Monaco’s wealth and the Catholic faith. Prince Albert II said that the issue isn’t really about wealth itself, but about how it’s used and that Monaco is generously committed to charitable causes.
Princely Family welcomes Pope Leo XIV to Monaco
Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Principality by helicopter and was welcomed at the heliport by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene on Saturday 28 March 2026. It was a historic day, as it was the first papal visit to Monaco since 1538.
Pope Leo XIV then visited the Prince’s Palace and was welcomed by several members of the Princely Family and Monsignor Dominique-Marie David. The Princely Couple, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella, Princess Caroline, Princess Stephanie, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet, Marie Chevallier and Melanie-Antoinette de Massy attended the welcoming ceremony. The Pope’s visit included a private meeting with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, a meeting with Monaco’s Catholic community in the cathedral, and a public Mass in the sports stadium.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene inaugurate New Parent-Child Unit at CHPG
The Princely couple inaugurated the new parent-child unit at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) in Monaco. This innovative unit includes four rooms designed as “cocoons, closely resembling a family environment”. Parents can remain present 24 hours a day to support their baby throughout hospitalization.
Prince Albert II and Prince Jacques inaugurate Museum of Stamps and Coins 30th Anniversary Exhibition
Prince Albert II and his son, Prince Jacques, inaugurated a commemorative exhibition at the Terrasses de Fontvieille on 24 March 2026. The retrospective exhibition titled From the Monetary Museum to the Museum of Stamps and Coins celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Museum. At 11 years old, the Sovereign’s son participated in the entire visit with interest before signing the museum’s guestbook alongside his father. The exhibition is open to the public until 26 April.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene inaugurate the Exotic Garden
After nearly six years of closure and renovations, the Exotic Garden of Monaco had its reopening ceremony on 25 March in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The Princess of Hanover, Mayor Georges Marsan, and several members of the Municipal Council were also present. The ceremony included a blessing by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David.
Five walkways had to be reconstructed and extensive safety work had to be carried out on the garden’s rock faces. The grounds in the visitor area were resurfaced, the pergolas and viewpoints were renovated, and the lighting was improved. New spaces were also created, including a children’s garden, a picnic area, a birthday room and a bar offering snacks.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attend the Final of the Sainte-Dévote Tournament
The Princely couple, accompanied by Princess Gabriella, attended the two-day Sainte-Dévote Tournament at the Stade Louis-II on 20 and 21 March. Princess Akiko of Mikasa, President of the Japan Rugby Federation, attended the tournament alongside the Princely Family. A total of 24 teams representing 23 countries participated in the tournament, held under the banner of the values of sport and peace. The final match saw Singapore win against England (4–1). Accompanied by Princess Akiko of Mikasa, the Princely Couple presented the coveted trophy and other awards to the young athletes. Princess Charlene is the President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation.
