Prince Albert in Wyoming

Last Thursday, September 19, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was in Cody, Wyoming, to celebrate the centenary of the visit of his great-great grandfather Prince Albert I. His predecessor on the Monegasque throne had visited the area in his time, guided by "Buffalo Bill" Cody himself (as you read about here last year when this visit was first announced).  Today's Sovereign Prince presented the first prize to two American scientists, Arthur Middleton and Joe Riis in recognition of their work. The award was named the 'Camp Monaco Prize' in honor of the previous expedition of Prince Albert I in which their hunting camp was named "Camp Monaco". As you can see in the photo above, that name was carved on a nearby tree and that portion of the tree has been preserved in honor of the occasion when a Prince of Monaco first came to the wild west state of Wyoming in 1913.

Prince Going to Wyoming

Buffalo Bill and Prince Albert I

It was recently announced that HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco will be visiting the state of Wyoming to attend the 2013 Buffalo Bill Historical Center Patrons Ball for the 100th anniversary of the visit of HSH Prince Albert I of Monaco to Cody, Wyoming for a hunting expedition with the legendary scout and western showman. The Monegasque ambassador said,

"As you know, 2013 is ... the centennial of the visit to Cody of Prince Albert I, the scholarly prince and co-founder of oceanography. In September 1913, he went hunting with the iconic Buffalo Bill. Now, I have the distinct honor of informing you that Prince Albert II has accepted the kind invitation of Governor Matt Mead and the BBHC board of trustees to participate in this celebration and will be present here next year."

There is no word yet if HSH Princess Charlene will be accompanying the Prince. However, we do know that, while he is in the neighborhood, the Sovereign Prince (and noted super-environmentalist) will present a biodiversity award for the Yellowstone region on behalf of the Prince Albert II Foundation. A fitting tribute as well for Buffalo Bill Cody who was also something of an early-day environmentalist, concerned with the state of the great outdoors in Wyoming and the surrounding western region.

In 1993, Prince Albert II made a memorable visit to Cody, Wyoming for the 80th anniversary of the expedition by his predecessor. It was on that occasion that former girlfriend Tamara Rotolo showed up at the event with her then 17-month old daughter Jazmin Grace to gain an acknowledgement that the baby was Prince Albert's. That was soon established and the Prince has supported Jazmin ever since. This time, we can be confident there will be no such "surprises".

Colonel Cody looks on as Prince Albert I presents a special rifle to a Crow chief