Prince Albert of Monaco described the Principality of Monaco as a “safe haven in many respects” in his short New Year’s Eve address.
Prince Albert started his speech by talking about “the tensions present everywhere in the world about many subjects,” and he insisted on the fact that the end of the year is the perfect time to take a break and reflect and find new energy. Prince Albert believes it is important to take this opportunity to think about all the acts of solidarity and devotion that help us all go through these tensions and hardships.
After wishing for new perspectives on the international scene and for each country in 2019, Prince Albert wished for “objective and measured legitimate debates”. He said that the youth should “discover the world while keeping in mind the specificities of Monaco. I wish to the older generations the happiness of sharing with other generations.”
Prince Albert also spared a thought for the people who are sick, alone or going through hardships in this festive time. He concluded his speech by wishing a Happy New Year to the Monégasque people: “On behalf of my family, I send you our warmest wishes for 2019. Happy New Year!”
2018 was a busy year for Prince Albert, so much that he had to cancel a few engagements this summer due to fatigue. Prince Albert privately celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this year and undertook several trips abroad notably in the USA, Canada, and China. He also did several engagements related to his mother, Princess Grace. He took part in an interview with the TODAY Show to show them around his late mother’s childhood Philadelphia home which has recently been renovated after he purchased the property in 2016 for $755,000. Prince Albert also delivered the commencement address at Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) in Philadelphia where he received an honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters.
