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Monaco

An emotional tribute from a prince to his father to mark special anniversary

Prince Albert II of Monaco has fired two cannons linked to the birth of his father, Prince Rainer III.

The Sovereign Prince was joined by his sisters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, as the two historic guns were put back into use.

The cannons, on the Fort Antoine Esplanade in Monaco, were used a century ago to signal the birth of Prince Rainier.

They were fired to mark the arrival of the prince on May 31st 1923.

They have been restored to mark the centenary of the birth of Rainier who went on to be one of the most celebrated of all Monaco’s rulers and among the most famous royals of the 20th century.

Prince Albert II fired the cannons alongside his wife, Princess Charlene.

Princess Stephanie’s son, Louis Ducruet, was also present for the twilight ceremony.

The guns may be fired again on November 19th, Monaco’s National Day, when a salute traditionally takes place.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.