In pictures: Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline reopen Monaco’s Exotic Garden after six years

For the first time in six years, the Princely Family walked the renovated paths of one of the Principality’s botanical gems, a visit steeped in symbolism ahead of the garden’s reopening to the public on 30 March.

It was an emotional official outing that took place on Wednesday 25 March in the hills of Monaco. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, accompanied by Princess Caroline, inaugurated the reopening of the Exotic Garden after six years of closure. Alongside the Princely Family were Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, Archbishop Dominique-Marie David, Mayor Georges Marsan and the site’s director, Diane Ortolani.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were able to see for themselves the many changes to the site: new panoramic walkways overlooking the Mediterranean, a play area for young children, a space dedicated to birthday celebrations, and a bar with a 40 m² terrace offering an exceptional view of the Principality.

This was a way for the Princely Couple to ensure that this major natural heritage site now meets the expectations of both residents and visitors.

Prince Albert II was keen to inscribe the following in the garden paths: “Cacti are a parable of Monaco’s history and of the challenge that climate change poses for humanity: knowing how to thrive by adapting to the environment.”

At the end of their visit, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were presented with a rare succulent plant, the Aloe Caesia, native to Prince Albert II, whose words are inscribed on the garden paths: “Cacti are a parable of Monaco’s history and of the challenge that climate change poses for humanity: knowing how to thrive by adapting to the environment. ’South Africa, a symbolic gesture to honour their attachment to this exceptional botanical site, which is home to nearly a thousand plant species from semi-arid regions across the globe, including cacti that are several hundred years old.

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A place steeped in the history of the Grimaldis

The link between the Princely Family and this garden is deep and rooted in history. It was Prince Albert I who, upon seeing the first succulent plants planted at the foot of the Oceanographic Museum, decided that a specific site should be dedicated to them. The garden was then officially inaugurated in 1933 under Prince Louis II. By visiting the site on Wednesday, Prince Albert II is reviving this family tradition, ahead of the gardens reopening to the general public on Monday 30 March.