Prince Albert and Princess Charlene lead Monaco in celebrating National Day

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene during the Fete National celebrations. 

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco lead the principality in celebrating the annual Fete National, November 19. Originally held on varying dates, the 'sovereign's celebration', from this time, has been held on 19 November, the day of the anniversary of the ceremony of the accession to the throne of Prince Rainier III on 19 November 1949, and also the day chosen to celebrate the blessed Rainier d'Arezzo (edict of 27 October 1951).


In 1950 and 1951, the 'Fête Nationale' had been celebrated on 11 April (edict of 4 July 1949); 11 April 1950 also representing the accession of Prince Rainier III. In 2005, in tribute to his father, H.S.H. Prince Albert II decided to keep the 'Fête Nationale' on 19 November, chosen as the day of his enthronement after the accession ceremony on the preceding 12 July.

The Prince's festival is the occasion for the national community to celebrate its identity and traditions. The ceremonies and festivities which are held on this occasion reflect Monegasque specificities and traditions:

- National traditions: presentation of honorary distinctions by the Prince and members of his family; parade in the 'cour d'honneur' in the Prince's Palace; taking the salute in the Palace square, which first took place in 1871

- Religious traditions: celebration of the thanksgiving mass and Te Deum in the cathedral, which marks the community's attachment to the Catholic faith

- Festive traditions: gala evening; shows, children's entertainments and free fireworks at the port organized by the Town Hall; amusement fair on Albert I Quay  - Social traditions: distribution of parcels and presents to the needy, the sick and the elderly.

Prince and Princess of Monaco host Formula One Grand Prix

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco hosted the annual marquee Formula One race. Together with the couple were the prince’s nephew, Pierre and Andrea Casiraghi and the Countess of Wessex, who was Princess Charlene’s close friend. 

Princess Charlene of Monaco reportedly depressed for failing to conceive an heir

Reports have surfaced that Princess Charlene of Monaco has fallen under depression after failing to conceive an heir a year after she married Prince Albert, the principality’s ruling prince.

Princess Charlene (right),  with Prince Albert (center) and Princess Stephanie (left),
is reportedly depressed over her difficulties of conceiving an heir. 

“She might have a smile on her face at official functions, but inside she is stressed and frustrated. This subject is weighing more and more heavily on her shoulders,” reports Voicimagazine over the mounting pressure of mothering an heir to the throne. 

Although Prince Albert has three children already, they cannot inherit the throne because they were born out of wedlock.

It was reported that two days before their wedding, the princess tried to run away after learning that Prince Albert had fathered a third love child.

The princess has eventually aired her loneliness, saying “I only have two people I consider friends here.”

Princess Stephanie Gives Love This Christmas

Princess Stephanie visits elderly at the Hector Otto Foundation.

Princess Stephanie of Monaco shares blessings and brings cheer these holidays as she paid a visit to the Hector Otto Foundation, a nursing home for the elders, in Monaco, Dec. 16. It seems that the merriment given the Princess' arrival was well captured and photos below, courtesy of Getty Images, shows you how residents of the nursing home was delighted to see Prince Albert's 47-year-old sister, as well as Santa, who joined her to spread some cheer this season.  

Photo Source, Getty Images, retrieved Dec. 21, 2011.

Prince Albert attends annual Red Cross Ball

July 31 - Prince Albert II of Monaco, his fiancée Charlene Wittstock, and her younger sister Prince Stephanie attended the 62nd Red Cross Ball last July 30 (see left).

The annual Red Cross Ball is considered as the biggest social event in Monaco. It is held every year to raise money for the Monagasque Red Cross Foundation. It is renowned for its star-studded guests that includes international celebrities, high-profile philanthropists, jet-setters, and, of course, Monaco’s princely family. 

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