Prince Albert cannot help but whistle, while under the windows of the palace, seventeen singers from the French Army Choir sing “Under the Sky of Paris”, an unforgettable waltz by Piaf. Certainly, the weather is nicer in Monaco than in the French capital… But on this November 19, a national holiday, the blue-white-red cornets mingle with the two-tone Monegasque flags. The sovereign wanted to celebrate the long and deep friendship between France and the Rock. So, he invited the Republican Guard to the traditional military parade which ends this morning of ceremonies.
Nine motorcyclists, twelve horsemen and a cavalry band procession following the riflemen and firefighters. A strong symbol, while the day before, in an interview given to “Monaco Matin”, the prince reaffirmed his desire to soon welcome Emmanuel Macron on an official visit. “I have to talk to him about it again in the coming weeks […] We talked about the month of March. It could also come before the opening of the Oceans Conference in Nice. »
Lilac set for Charlene
In the meantime, France is therefore in the honor of this “sovereign’s feast”, the date of which has changed more than once over the decades and reigns, but was definitively set at November 19 by Albert.
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The program is also almost immutable. The day begins with a thanksgiving mass and a Te Deum in Monaco Cathedral, where the elite of Monaco meet. The gentlemen are in suits, the ladies in hats. In the principality, we do not compromise on these things. On the square, Monseigneur Dominique-Marie David, the archbishop, looks at his watch: the princely couple seems to be a few minutes late, which is not his habit.
Two cars arrive at the same time: in the first, Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie; in the second, Prince Albert and Princess Charlène, almost spring-like in a lilac-colored pantsuit by Louis Vuitton. Last year, if the temperatures were already mild, she preferred a winter look with a long red coat and a beret.
Jacques, already a great
After the service, the princely family meets in the main courtyard of the palace to take up arms and then present badges and other medals to promoted military personnel, as well as to members of the staff – valet, wife chambermaid, painter, carpenter – without whom the palace would not function.
Gareth Wittstock, Charlène’s brother, is present with his two daughters. Louis Ducruet came without his wife, Marie: pregnant with their second child, she must rest.
Jacques and Gabriella, who will celebrate their tenth birthday in a few days, joined their parents for this moment. In his rifleman uniform, cap screwed on his head, the young heir to the throne already takes his role seriously. He sings the anthem, stands straight as a pole, imitates his father when he gives the military salute.
Salute to the balcony
Gabriella, in a pretty blue coat with an embroidered collar, is as wise as a picture, even if time seems long to her. The same goes for Stefano, son of Pierre and Beatrice Casiraghi, who falls asleep with his head resting on his mother’s arm, and for little Balthazar Rassam, younger brother of Charlotte Casiraghi, who stamps his feet.
Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, Albert II and Gabriella of Monaco greet the crowd on the balcony of the princely palace during the Monegasque national day, November 19, 2024. during the Monegasque national day, November 19, 2024.
© Pascal Le Segretain / 2024 Getty Images
They will still have to be patient before going to lunch, since there is one last stage left this morning: the military parade, which they attend from the balconies of the palace, waving small flags. Finally, the crowd on the square chants cheers “for the prince and princess”, then “for the princely children”. There is no doubt that this fervor will remain engraved in the memory of Jacques and Gabriella.
