{"id":326009,"date":"2025-11-20T14:20:36","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T12:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/2025\/11\/in-unison-with-the-princely-family-monaco-celebrates-national-day-with-emotion-and-tradition\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T14:26:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T12:26:55","slug":"in-unison-with-the-princely-family-monaco-celebrates-national-day-with-emotion-and-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/en\/2025\/11\/in-unison-with-the-princely-family-monaco-celebrates-national-day-with-emotion-and-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"In unison with the Princely Family, Monaco celebrates National Day with emotion and tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Combining a solemn religious ceremony with a military parade, the Principality paid tribute to Prince Albert II on 19 November. This year\u2019s edition was marked by the special presence of an Italian delegation, celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monegasque flags waving, crowds gathered behind barriers, a giant screen set up near the statue of Fran\u00e7ois Grimaldi: the Palace Square pulsed on Tuesday morning with the traditions of the Principality. For 2025’s National Day, Monaco rolled out the full ceremonial display, combining patriotic spirit around the Princely Family with an international dimension thanks to the noteworthy participation of the brass band of Italy’s 3\u00b0 Reggimento Carabinieri \u201cLombardia\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A solemn mass before the celebrations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first notes of the organ in Monaco Cathedral rang out at 9:30 am to welcome the Princely Family. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, followed by members of the Sovereign Family, attended the thanksgiving mass given by Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Martin Krebs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
\u00a9 Benjamin Godart – Monaco Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Under the vaults of the century-old building, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied the Choir of Monaco Cathedral and the Monaco Boys Choir, led by Pierre Debat, Chapel Master of the Prince\u2019s Palace. Soprano Virginie Maraskin performed the Te Deum, a particularly powerful moment that preceded the princely procession exiting the cathedral. \u201cIt\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve seen the Prince<\/em>,\u201d said a Vend\u00e9e holidaymaker, flag in hand outside. \u201cI didn\u2019t know it was National Day today \u2013 my friends and I just came for a day out in Monaco. What a lovely surprise!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military honours and Italian recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shortly after 11 am, the Palace Courtyard hosted the first military ceremony, broadcast live on the giant screen installed on the square. The Sovereign Prince carefully presented rank insignia to 31 members of the Public Force promoted this year, before decorating three members of the Carabinieri Corps and Fire Brigade with the Order of Saint-Charles. Sixteen Palace staff also received Honour and Labour Medals, recognising their dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Princess
Princess St\u00e9phanie with her children Camille and Louis, and his partner Marie \u00a9 St\u00e9phane Renaux \u2013 Monaco Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Alexandra of Hanover, Pierre Casiraghi, his wife Beatrice Borromeo and their son watching the parade below \u00a9 St\u00e9phane Renaux \u2013 Monaco Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But the defining moment of this year\u2019s celebrations came on the Palace Square when the various members of the Princely Family appeared on the balconies, greeting the crowd. To mark the 150th anniversary of Monaco\u2019s diplomatic representation in Italy, Prince Albert II invited a delegation of 33 musicians from the brass band of the 3\u00b0 Reggimento Carabinieri \u201cLombardia\u201d. Under the direction of Maggiore Luca Leccese and Chief Marshal Andrea Bagnolo, the prestigious ensemble combined its brass with that of the Prince\u2019s Carabinieri Orchestra<\/a> for an unprecedented musical interlude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Italian tunes \u2013 from the triumphal march of Verdi\u2019s Aida to Denza\u2019s Funiculi Funicula and the iconic O Sole Mio \u2013 echoed across the square, creating a musical bridge between the two nations. It created a moment of communion illustrating the depth of the ties uniting the Principality and the Italian Republic for nearly 150 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
\u00a9 Benjamin Godart – Monaco Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unwavering public enthusiasm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince I was very young, I\u2019ve attended National Day with my parents, and now with my son<\/em>,\u201d said Annick, a Monegasque woman, her voice full of emotion. \u201cIt\u2019s a magical day. Seeing the Prince and his family on the balcony is such an honour. The family is full of kindness and sincerity. That\u2019s my heart speaking<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strong family culture was also reflected in the presence of Sylvie, mother of a Carabinier, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Coralie and her grandchildren. \u201cThe national culture is passed on through generations. Being together as a family on this day creates a strong sense of unity,<\/em>\u201d she explained, while Coralie added: \u201cThe children are filled with pride seeing their father parade<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A young aspiring artist inspired by the Palace tower parapets \u00a9 Benjamin Godart \u2013 Monaco Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Among the younger generations, attachment to the Principality is just as strong. Nour, a pupil at FANB, waving a flag reading ‘Vive le Prince, vive la Princesse, Gabriella et Jacques\/Long Live the Prince, Long Live the Princess, Gabriella and Jacques’, said: \u201cIt\u2019s an important celebration for me because I\u2019ve been learning Monegasque since CM1 (Year 5\/4th Grade), and I get to see my former teachers and classmates here<\/em>.\u201d Beside her, young Jad, a descendant of Louis Notari \u2013 a notable champion of Monegasque identity \u2013 shouted Daghe Munegu! (Let’s go, Monaco!)<\/em> enthusiastically while waving his flag. \u201cAt home, I greet my father in Monegasque all year round<\/em>,\u201d the young lover of local culture said, determined to preserve the country\u2019s traditions beyond National Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Princess St\u00e9phanie and her daughter Camille celebrate National Day with senior citizens<\/a><\/blockquote>