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Monaco

Princely Family takes part in Monaco’s National Day

As expected, the Monégasque Princely Family took part in the annual National Day celebrations in the small principality. They participated in Mass, the military parade, made an appearance on the balcony of the Prince’s Palace.

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The cold morning began with Mass at Saint Nicholas Cathedral with Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Princess Caroline, Princess Stéphanie and other adult family members in attendance.

Next, the family returned to the Princely Palace for the military parade and balcony appearance. Prince Albert with his wife, Princess Charlene and sisters, Princess Caroline, and Princess Stéphanie stood outside the palace as the parade went by. Their children and grandchildren stood at the windows of the palace to watch, as Prince Albert took the military salute. There was also a song in tribute to World War One – which ended 100 years ago this month.

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The entire family next appeared on the balcony with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene’s three-year-old twins, who turn four on 10 December, played with their toys in front of the assembled crowd. There was a slight mishap as Prince Jacques accidentally dropped his action figure into the crowd below. Princess Gabriella was not able to hold on to her toy either as she perfected her royal wave. She also dropped an orange balloon from the balcony. The pair also blew kisses to the crowd.

Andrea Casiraghi, the eldest child of Princess Caroline, held his nephew in his arms at the window of the Palace and melted a few hearts as he gave him a kiss on the forehead.

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In the evening, members of the Princely Family attended a gala. Prince Albert was joined by his wife and older sister, Caroline. Princess Caroline was accompanied by her son, Andrea.

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The National Day of Monaco, also called The Sovereign Prince’s Day, is held annually on 19 November. The Sovereign Prince selects the day of the celebration, and Prince Albert II’s father, Prince Rainier chose 19 November the day that celebrates St Rainier; his son, decided to keep the holiday on the 19th. Coincidentally, 19 November 2005 was the day Prince Albert was enthroned in Saint Nicholas Cathedral. National Day celebrates Monaco becoming a sovereign nation.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.