While they celebrated their tenth anniversary on December 10, hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella joined their parents this year for their traditional video message of greetings broadcast every December 31. One more step in the involvement of the little princes in the life of the Principality.
The sequence was previously recorded in the Guard Room of the Prince’s Palace where the Grimaldi family gathered around the Christmas tree decorated for the holiday season.
Before pronouncing happy new year wishes to the family in French, English and Monegasque, it was alone that the Sovereign began this speech which he described as “privileged moment” addressed to the population of the country “with all the respect and affection that I have for each and every one of you.”
“The past year marked by challenges”
The exercise is also, each year, an opportunity to get messages across. And if this 2024 vintage is sober, it seems to evoke certain difficult moments in subtext.
“The past year has been marked by challenges, but also by numerous successes and the unwavering solidarity that characterizes our Monegasque community. In these moments when we are turning a page to write a new one, I would like to pay tribute to your commitment , your resilience and your spirit of brotherhood”, underlined the Sovereign, as an echo of the affairs and controversies which gave 2024 in the Principality the air ofa terrible year.
“In Monaco, we are fortunate to live in a prosperous country, where the values of respect, openness and responsibility combine harmoniously. But this opportunity comes with a responsibility: that of continuing to build a sustainable future and focused on excellence for future generations.”
Supporting his thoughts, Prince Albert II expressed his gratitude “to all those who work on a daily basis to promote our Principality: institutions, businesses, associations, as well as every Monegasque and every resident who, through their action, contributes to the common good. The coming year will bring new projects, the opportunity to strengthen our environmental commitments, to increase our solidarity with the most vulnerable and to celebrate our common identity. Together, with determination and by relying on the values that unite us, we will continue to meet the challenges that. will present themselves to We.”
“2025, radiant and promising”
Then, in his speech of just over two minutes, addressing a thought to those who suffer and for whom the holiday season is often difficult, the Sovereign wanted to formulate a message of hope and encouragement: “know that you are not alone, and that Monaco is a united family. May this new year be for you all a year of happiness, health, serenity and success in your projects.”
The Head of State hopes for Monegasques, residents and “all those who contribute to making our Principality a place of harmony and innovation” may the year 2025 be “radiant and promising”.
Surrounded by his family, the Prince concluded by stating “May this new year bring happiness, health and success to you and to all those who are dear to you.”
