Monaco’s royal family met up this week to mark one of the most important dates in their national calendar. Prince Albert and his sisters, Caroline and Stephanie, came together to celebrate the principality’s national day on Friday. And the annual festivities were of extra significance for the Grimaldi siblings because November 19 is also their father’s Saint’s Day.
Prince Rainier himself couldn’t make it along for the merrymaking, as he is still recovering from the chest infection which led to him being hospitalised last month. Palace representatives gave assurances there was “no need to worry”, though, and the monarch himself issued a statement for his subjects.
“I know the importance of this holiday for our community unified around my family," said the 81-year-old. “They are precious moments in our national life which, this year, I will share with you through my thoughts.”
His eldest daughter Caroline, dressed in a satin coat and pillbox hat, was accompanied by her husband Prince Ernst to the traditional Thanksgiving mass. Princess Stephanie meanwhile opted for an understated grey ensemble, while their brother Albert donned his ceremonial Naval uniform when he took his father’s place to preside over the celebrations.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
