The Princess Grace Irish Library celebrated its 40th anniversary on 20th November with the launch of a special commemorative book that highlights Princess Grace’s deep connection to Ireland, the land of her forebears, and her enduring influence in the arts. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Caroline, the late Princess’ eldest children, attended the event to pay tribute to the legacy of their actress mother.
The Princess Grace Irish Library (PGIL) marked the major milestone by unveiling the book on the exact date of the establishment’s 1984 inauguration. Published by the Archives du Palais de Monaco, the book honours Princess Grace’s Irish heritage and her lifelong love of music and literature.
Illustrated with archival photographs, it chronicles key moments, from Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III’s first State visit to Ireland in 1961 through to the modern connections fostered by their son, Prince Albert, and his family.
Central to the book’s narrative is a unique musical collaboration that underscores Princess Grace’s passion for the arts. In a partnership led by Helen Lawlor of the Technological University Dublin and Jade Sapolin, the director of Monaco’s Académie Rainier III, students and musicians from Ireland and Monaco performed an array of pieces from Princess Grace’s song sheet collection. The recordings of these performances are featured in the book via QR codes, offering readers an immersive experience.
Renowned Irish dancer Michael Flatley also contributed to the celebrations by composing a special Princess Grace Set, further enriching the book’s musical offerings.
The commemorative book provides additional insights through a film produced by the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco. Using archival footage, it captures the PGIL’s grand opening day and includes an interview with writer Anthony Burgess, who reflects on the library’s cultural significance.
A digital version of the book is available on the PGIL website, making its treasures accessible to a global audience. For Francophone readers, a French translation of the book’s historical section will be released in January.
Looking ahead, the PGIL’s 40th anniversary celebrations will continue into 2025 through a cultural programme themed ‘The Reach and Impact of the Irish Diaspora’. The programme will feature Irish writers, including Cónal Creedon, the recipient of The Ireland Funds Monaco Spring 2025 bursary. Among other events, Professor Malgorzata D’Aughton from University College Cork will deliver a lecture on an exceptional silver-gilt Irish chalice dating from the 1480s.
For more on the book and details about upcoming 2025 events, visit the PGIL website by clicking here.
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Commemorative stamp to celebrate the Princess Grace Irish Library’s 40th anniversary
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Pictured: The 40th anniversary commemorative book is presented to Princess of Hanover, the president of the Princess Grace Foundation, and Prince Albert II by Peter K. Murphy, Trustee of the Princess Grace Irish Library, and Paula Farquharson, its Director
Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco