A most moving religious ceremony. Before celebrating the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, the Monegasque princely family celebrated a sad anniversary. This Wednesday, April 5, Prince Albert and his relatives gathered in the cathedral of Monaco to commemorate the disappearance of the “prince builder”. 18 years ago, on April 6, 2005, the husband of Princess Grace Kelly died at the age of 81. On this occasion, Albert II was surrounded by his relatives. His wife, Princess Charlene, increasingly present at royal engagements, was by his side. Dressed in a long gray coat coupled with a skirt with geometric patterns, the mother of Jacques and Gabriella supported her husband.
Also present, Prince Albert’s sisters, Caroline of Hanover and Stéphanie of Monaco who were accompanied by their children. Albert II’s older sister appeared in the company of Andrea, Pierre and Charlotte Casiraghi who was spotted kissing her Aunt Charlene. Princess Stephanie was in the presence of his two daughters, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb. just grandma, Prince Albert’s youngest sister was not accompanied by her son Louis Ducruetcertainly stayed with her newborn.
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Stéphanie of Monaco at the controls of the commemorations
Faithful to the memory of this father whom she cherished so much, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has been appointed to organize the celebrations of the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III. A mission that was very quickly taken to heart by the little sister of Prince Albert. For several months, she has been working behind the scenes to put in place thirty events which will take place throughout the year 2023. The 58-year-old princess wishes to pay tribute to the memory “of the incredible man (…), of the wonderful dad who (…) passed on his values of sharing, of pride in our country and who deserves to be paid this tribute”as revealed by the president of the organizing committee to our colleagues from Monaco Morningon March 10.
The festivities will begin on May 31., the Monegasque sovereign’s birthday. On this occasion, a great popular festival will take place in the heart of the city of Le Rocher and “will bring together Monegasques as well as residents”unveiled Point of view. Following this day, marked by the inauguration of an exhibition event called The Prince at home in the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace, several highlights will punctuate the year. Between the concert by the Carabinieri Orchestra at the United Nations in New York on June 19 and the Centennial Ball at the Casino on October 21, the program promises to be busy for the princely family. The highlight of the show, these celebrations will end with the new 2024 edition of the Monte-Carlo Festival. If the emotion will be there, Stéphanie of Monaco is categorical on one point: “These commemorations will not be melancholy”.
Photo credits: Dominique Jacovides / Bestimage
