Over the years, the Princess of Hanover has become the natural ambassador of arts and culture in the Principality.
From the creation of the Monte-Carlo Ballets to the presidency of emblematic institutions such as the Prince-Pierre Foundation or the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Princess Caroline multiplies initiatives to promote art, music and literature . Present at galas, concerts or inaugurations, it is actively involved in promoting the artists and events that enrich the cultural life of Monaco.
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His actions in favor of culture
In 1985, under the leadership of Princess Caroline, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo were created, making a dream dear to Princess Grace a reality and reconnecting with the legacy of the Ballets Russes which left their mark on the Principality at the beginning of the 20th century.
Thanks to this initiative, Monaco has become a mecca for choreographic creation. “ When we launched Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo with Jean-Christophe Maillot, our guiding principle was to give pleasure without trying to please », Princess Caroline confided to Madame Figaro in 2020. Today, the company is known on the international scene.
Her passion for dance did not stop there. In March 2023, Princess Caroline inaugurated the “ Studio Caroline », a new dance room within the Princess Grace Academy. A former student of Marika Besobrasova, Princess Caroline practiced this discipline intensely during her childhood and adolescence. Although she did not realize her dream of becoming a star, she transformed this passion into a lasting commitment. At the head of the Academy, she perpetuates the vision of her parents, offering young talents a framework conducive to excellence and artistic development. “ My luck here, in Monaco, is to be able to smooth out, soften and facilitate the creation of others. And to defend the freedom of artists. It’s essential, it’s always been my main focus, and the battle is never won “, she explains.
In 1988, Princess Caroline was appointed President of the Board of Directors of the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation. Created in 1966 by Prince Rainier III, the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation is dedicated to promoting arts and culture.
Under his presidency, the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation continues to inspire and support new talents. This organization awards literary, musical and artistic prizes every year.
During the 2019 ceremony, Princess Caroline wanted to honor the memory of her grandfather, Prince Pierre of Monaco, great protector of letters and the arts, whose Foundation was created after his death by his son, Prince Rainier III: “It’s always an immense joy and pride. I think of this magnificent and quite impressive legacy from my grandfather, of whom I am lucky to have very fond memories and who often helped and influenced me. I think he would be happy with tonight’s winner “, she declared on stage, according to Point de Vue.
In 2024, Princess Caroline awarded the Literary Prize to the writer Mathieu Belezi.
On June 12, 2024, Princess Caroline attended the Rainier III Academy Gala at the Rainier III Auditorium. Accompanied by personalities such as Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy and Françoise Gamerdinger, she supported this event dedicated to music. The best students of the Academy, accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Thibaut Ponsin, presented a varied program, highlighting the quality of artistic education in the Principality.
Events, under his presidency, which have become essential
It’s impossible to talk about Monegasque culture without mentioning the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, a major event which lights up the Principality every year from March to April.
This major festival, initiated in the 1970s by Princess Grace, has been chaired by Princess Caroline since 1984. A true showcase of classical and contemporary music, this festival offers each year a rich and varied program, paying tribute to conductors -work and contemporary creations.
Princess Caroline wanted this event to be open to all, so that everyone can discover the beauty of these works, whether from the past or today. This year, the festival will pay tribute to the composer and conductor Pierre Boulez.
Finally, the emblematic Rose Ball is also chaired each year by Princess Caroline. In 1954, the Société des Bains de Mer organized the first Bal de la Rose at the Sporting d’Hiver, under the artistic direction of Henry Astric, to mark the start of the festivities season in Monaco. Very quickly, this charity event took on an international scale, thanks to the leadership of Princess Grace.
Since 1983, Princess Caroline has perpetuated this tradition by infusing a modern and refined touch, with the help of great personalities from the fashion world such as Karl Lagerfeld in the past or Christian Louboutin, more recently.
Each year, the event attracts celebrities from all over the world and is distinguished by an original theme.
High distinctions
In 2005, Princess Caroline received a wonderful tribute for her contribution to the Monegasque cultural scene.
Indeed, the Sovereign’s older sister was elevated to the rank of Commander of Cultural Merit for her active involvement in the Prince-Pierre Foundation, the Monte-Carlo Ballets, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, of the Opera, and the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival.
Furthermore, in 2015, the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Fleur Pellerin, presented Princess Caroline of Monaco with the insignia of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. A tribute to his constant commitment to numerous charitable, humanitarian and cultural actions.
In November 2024, Princess Caroline attended the launch of culture.mc, a website dedicated to Monegasque cultural life. This portal, accessible in French and English, is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Interministerial Delegation for the Digital Transition. It allows you to consult the calendar of concerts, exhibitions and any other cultural events in the Principality.
The traditional award of the Order of Cultural Merit
Every November 19, the eve of National Day, Princess Caroline presides over the presentation of the Order of Cultural Merit. This is the third highest award in the Principality. The Order was created by sovereign order signed on December 31, 1952 by Prince Rainier III. This distinction aims to “ distinguish and reward people who have participated through their works or teaching in the development of the arts, letters and sciences in Monaco or who, even abroad, have contributed, in these fields, to the intellectual influence of the Principality. »
In 2024, his daughter Charlotte Casiraghi was elevated to the rank of Knight for her work with the Monaco Philosophical Meetings. These meetings enrich the intellectual life of the Principality. Just like her mother, Charlotte Casiraghi is fully invested in making Monaco a stronghold of culture.
Through the generations, the Princely Family has always maintained a deep connection with arts and culture. Princess Caroline, described as “ elegant among all, royal and romantic, altruistic and bohemian » par Point de Vue, has naturally established itself as a major figure in this field. Thanks to his involvement, the Principality is now as renowned for its cultural events as for its prestigious sporting tournaments.
