The Principality of Monaco is getting ready to celebrate the first National Day without restrictions or absences in years.
In 2020, heath safety restrictions meant that the public had to be limited and stay socially distant, with face masks on at all times. In 2021, the festivities were tinged with worries about Princess Charlene’s health; she had just returned to Monaco after being grounded in South Africa for close to 6 months for a severe ENT infection. The Palace had just announced that she was also withdrawing from public life, as she was still recovering and had also been suffering from “deep fatigue”.
So 2022 will hopefully mark a return to normalcy. On Friday, 18th November, the Princely Couple is expected to make an appearance at the traditional fireworks show, which lights up the skies above Monaco in a celebratory display of patriotism.
The main events will be on National Day, which this year falls on a Saturday, 19th November. The day will begin with a Mass at Monaco’s St Nicholas Cathedral, which is expected to be attended by most members of the Princely Family, as well as State authorities and some members of the public.
The next event is the appearance of the Princely Family at the Palace, where they receive the salute of Monaco’s Carabinieri, the local guard and only territorial defence force. Here, the public can expect to see Prince Albert and Princess Charlene’s children as well; Prince Jacques, the heir to the throne, will probably sport his miniature Carabinieri uniform, a symbol of the role he is expected to take on once he becomes Prince Sovereign.
In the past, Princess Caroline’s children and their families have also made appearances at the ceremony, with Andrea and Pierre’s children often stealing the show
The National Day celebration are usually closed by a gala dinner at the Grimaldi Forum, in Montecarlo, the most glamorous area of the Principality. In 2021, the entire family came out to support Prince Albert and twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, including Princess Stephanie’s children and Louis Ducruet’s wife Marie; even Princess Charlene’s brothers Sean and Gareth were present at the evening gala, in a show of unity and support.
The Principality celebrates its National Day on the 19th of November because it is the day that marks St Rainier’s day in the calendar. The Saint was selected by Monaco’s previous ruler, Prince Rainier III; Prince Albert opted to maintain this celebration, rather than moving it to Saint Albert’s Day (on the 15th of November), because the 19th is also the official day of his accession to the throne.
