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

Honor for Princess Charlene

A proud day of continued tradition in the Principality of Monaco as HSH Prince Albert II has appointed his worthy consort, HSH Princess Charlene, a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Charles, the highest order of knighthood in the gift of the House of Grimaldi. The presentation was made in the ice lounge of the Princely Palace. The Order of St Charles was established on March 15, 1858 by HSH Prince Charles III as the preeminent chivalric order of Monaco, given for service to the state and/or the Sovereign Prince. So far, the appointments made by Prince Albert II (of the Grand Cross grade) have been to foreign heads of state. I hope now we will soon have a formal portrait of Princess Charlene in all her ribbons and medals. In any event, congratulations to Her Serene Highness on joining the ranks of the Order of Saint-Charles.

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.

The Order of St Charles

The Order of St Charles is a “house order” of the Grimaldi Princely Family and the highest honor which can be bestowed by the Prince of Monaco. As such it is featured on the official royal arms of the Prince of Monaco. The order was established by HSH Prince Charles III on March 15, 1858 and includes five grades which are; knight, officer, commander, grand officer and knight grand cross. Membership is open to Monegasque subjects and foreign nationals alike and is awarded for meritorious achievement or significant service to the Monegasque state or the Sovereign Prince. The order is named for St Charles Borromeo, archbishop of Milan, patron of Prince Charles III and a relative of the Grimaldi family. The star of the order is emblazoned with the mottos “Princeps et Patria” and “Deo Juvante”.