National Day 2014

It has been a glorious National Day today in Monaco. Princess Charlene, who is showing how far along she is, was absent for some of the festivities but did appear on the balcony with her prince to greet the Monegasque people. Otherwise, the star of the day seemed to be little Sacha who was carried at the military review by a very proud grandmother Princess Caroline (though it's still so hard to think of her as a grandma) and I was certainly struck by how much Sacha looks like his great-grandpa Prince Rainier. God bless the Princely Family, God bless Monaco and long live the Prince!

Remise de décorations dans les ordres de Saint-Charles et de Grimaldi

National Day 2013

Happy National Day!

 A happy National Day to the Principality of Monaco and Long Live the Prince! For a little background information, National Day has been celebrated since 1857 on 19th November, the feast day of St Rainier, patron of the first sovereign lord of Monaco, Rainier I. It was established as the official national holiday by HSH Prince Charles III.

St Rainier, pray for us

National Day Highlights

At St Nicholas Cathedral, in the front row, guest of honor HSH Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, HSH Princess Charlene, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover and HSH Princess Stephanie

Trying not to look too uncomfortable, a whiskered Andrea, Charlotte (rocking an awesome retro hat), Pierre and Baroness Elisabeth-Anne

The Princely couple exchange a loving glance

Prince Albert II and big sister compete for 'most serious' look

The Princely Family and their guest take the salute at the palace

The always regal Princess Caroline

Prince Hans-Adam II joins Princess Stephanie and the Casiraghis at the balcony

Charlotte exchanges words with aunt Stephanie

Howdy pardners and welcome to this here evenin' gala

Cowboys and Indians night in Monaco?

The Sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein joins the Princely Family in their box, minus Princess Stephanie of course who doesn't usually go in for the ultra-formal occasions

 

 

National Day in Monaco

National Day, marking the anniversary of HSH Prince Albert II's succession to the Monegasque throne, began, as usual, with a mass of thanksgiving at St Nicholas Cathedral

Princess Charlene and the Sovereign Prince, backed up by Princess Stephanie, departing the Cathedral to take the salute at the Princely Palace.

HSH Princess Charlene was looking very smart, sporting her new miniature for the Order of Saint-Charles she recently joined.

And the moment everyone waits for; the waves from the balcony by the Princely couple.

 

Long live the Prince!

MM Video: National Day 2011

National Day 2011

As usual the day's festivities got started with a special mass of thanksgiving with the Princely Family all in attendance (Casiraghi trio and the de Massy clan included).

After that, it was time to decorate the troops and salute the march-past of the guards.

The Casiraghi trio don their most serious expressions for the military spectacle

Here you can just see Melanie on the far left, Princess Caroline, Baroness Elisabeth, Princess Charlene and Princely cousin Christopher Le Vine (nephew of Princess Grace)

Then of course it was time to greet the public from the balcony. At one point the guards band struck up the Toto song "Africa", evidently a hit as Charlotte was boppin' with the beat and Princess Caroline started to sing along with the chorus ... "I bless the rains down in Africa...."

Never fear, Princess Stephanie is here!

And of course, the stars were the Prince and Princess. Albert seemed to have to explain some of the cheers and chanting to Charlene but, on any occasion, get the Prince surrounded by his adoring people and he goes into full "Albie" mode, winking, pointing, waving and blowing kisses. Vive le Prince!

And finally a formal night out at the opera to close the day. Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline attended (as usual) as did Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi (not so usual) and all posed for photographs with these two adorable albino children (kidding of course!). There was also a spectacular light show at the Princely Palace, all marking Albert II's six years on the throne as Sovereign Prince of Monaco. May HSH have many, many more.

Happy National Day!

Happy Anniversary to HSH Prince Albert II! Happy National Day!

Long live the Prince! Long live Monaco!

(More coverage to come)

Decorations for National Day

It is almost National Day and that means it's time to start handing out the decorations.

On Tuesday HSH Prince Albert II, at the Princely Palace, handed out medals of the Order of St Charles (the preeminent Monegasque order) to seven loyal courtiers, now retired, for their years of service to the monarchy. Later, some 14 Medals of Honor were given out to men and women of the volunteer services for their contribution to society in Monaco.

On Thursday TSH Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Stephanie handed out special packages at the Monaco Red Cross headquarters to elderly citizens who have distinguished themselves for social action. The tradition continues.

Also at the Princely Palace, Prince Albert II handed out 79 Medals for Physical Education and Sport as part of the pre-National Day festivities. Princess Charlene also donated over a million South African dollars to the charity "Giving Trust Organization" in honor of the 80th birthday of celebrated civil rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

And yesterday, in a grand event in the throne room at the Princely Palace, more than 50 worthy individuals were honored with the Order of St Charles by HSH Prince Albert II and in the presence of HSH Princess Charlene, HRH Princess Caroline and Charlotte Casiraghi.

Now, just a few more hours until the big day is here.

MM Video: National Day 2010

National Day Gala Evening

Charlene, Star of National Day

Charlene Meets the Public

Charlene and Prince Albert greet the people

Princess Caroline, Princess Alexandra and Charlotte Casiraghi

Cousin Melanie de Massy, Princess Alexandra, Princess Caroline, Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi

Yep, caught a fish *this* big right out there in the harbor

The Princely Couple, beaming at the crowd.