Day: 27 September 2024

Prince Albert II has embarked on a whirlwind tour of Rome, exploring the city’s most treasured historic sites and receiving the prestigious Magna Grecia Prize.

On 26th and 27th September, Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Rome for two days, focusing on history, culture, and environmental sustainability. Upon his arrival, the Prince was greeted by Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood, before starting his visit with a tour of the Convent and Church of Trinità dei Monti, perched atop the Pincio Hill. This church, connected to the famous Spanish Steps, was inaugurated in 1725 by Cardinal Melchior de Polignac, a French ambassador to Rome and one of Prince Albert’s paternal ancestors.

Following this, Prince Albert visited the Villa Medici, home of the French Academy in Rome since 1806. The visit was marked by the signing of a partnership between the Academy and Monaco’s Commission for Collections and Artistic Heritage. In line with the Principality’s tradition of patronage and in honour of Monégasque painter Jean-Baptiste Vignali, this collaboration has established the ‘Prince of Monaco – Villa Medici Grant’. The annual grant will support one resident artist at the Academy with a commissioned work. The Prince and his delegation then explored the magnificent 16th-century villa and its stunning Italian gardens.

Later that day, at the prestigious Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Prince Albert was awarded the Magna Grecia Prize, recognising his global commitment to environmental protection, as well as his support for sport and culture. The award also honoured his efforts to promote Southern Italy through the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network.

In his acceptance speech, Prince Albert reflected on his deep connection to Southern Italy: “The various trips I’ve taken in recent years to Southern Italy as part of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network have brought me closer to the many regions that historically constituted ‘Magna Grecia.’ These regions—Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily—are now deeply intertwined with Monaco’s heritage.” He emphasised the long-standing ties between his family and Italy, recalling, “In 1309, my distant ancestor Rainier I Grimaldi received the barony of San Demetrio from Robert I of Anjou, King of Naples and Count of Provence, in recognition of military services rendered.”

Prince Albert also highlighted his environmental efforts, saying, “I am honoured to have been awarded honorary doctorates for my commitment to marine conservation by three universities in Magna Grecia: Palermo in 2017, Naples in 2018, and Reggio Calabria in 2021.”

In closing, the Prince expressed his gratitude: “For all these reasons, I am deeply touched by this award, which I am pleased to accept today. I interpret it as both recognition and encouragement to continue the journey I’ve undertaken to meet the people, local leaders, and driving forces of Southern Italy. Long live Magna Grecia, and long live the friendship between Italy and Monaco.”

All photos credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier

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