This year, annual celebrations for Monaco’s National Day paid tribute to the 15 years of rule of Prince Albert II as well as to the 150 years of the Prince’s Carabinieri. The Sovereign also used the event to honour the work of Monaco’s Red Cross in the fight against Covid-19. The charity was awarded the Order of Grimaldi.
Celebrations adapted to the pandemic
In any normal year, the Princely family greets the public from the Palace balcony. However, in light of the pandemic, celebrations had to be downscaled to ensure that all health restrictions were respected.
The Prince, accompanied by his wife Princess Charlene and their two children, twins Gabriella and Jacques, addressed a message to “my compatriots, Monaco residents and my dear friends”.
“Unlike in previous years, on this National Day we cannot greet you on Palace square. The pandemic has affected the Principality as well as our neighbours. Yet we remain, as you well know, close to all of you.” - Prince Albert II
