A prestigious ceremony at the Hôtel Hermitage on 2nd December celebrated the enduring ties between Monaco and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as distinguished figures from the Principality received decorations of the Order of Merito Melitense.

The accolades, conferred by The Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Fra’ John T. Dunlap and the Sovereign Council during a session on 20th June, were presented by the Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Monaco. Among the honorees were Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, who received the Cross with Plaque, and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco Isabelle Rosabrunetto and Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, who were both awarded the Cross with Crown.

Prominent attendees included Christophe Steiner, Chief of Staff to Prince Albert II; Jean d’Haussonville, the French Ambassador to Monaco; and Marc Lecourt, President of the Association of Honorary Consuls. Key members of the Order’s Monaco branch, such as President Jean Kerwat and Chancellor-General Secretary Didier Gamerdinger, were also present.

In his address, Ambassador Alberto di Luca reflected on the historic connection between the Grimaldi family and the Order of Malta, a bond that dates back to 1168. He praised the successful diplomatic relations established 14 years ago and spoke about the Order’s humanitarian mission rooted in the principles of “defense of the faith and assistance to the poor”.

Isabelle Berro-Amadeï lauded the Order’s neutrality and commitment to humanitarian efforts, reaffirming Monaco’s dedication to collaborative initiatives that provide aid to vulnerable populations.

Instituted in 1920, the Order of Merito Melitense honours exceptional achievements that enhance the prestige of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Open to individuals outside the Order, it remains an emblem of global recognition for humanitarian and charitable contributions.

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Main photo from left to right: the President of the Association of the Order of Malta in Monaco Jean Kerwat, the Chief of Staff of H.S.H. Prince Albert II Christophe Steiner, the Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, the Director General of International Cooperation Isabelle Rosabrunetto, the Government Adviser and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, the Ambassador of the Order of Malta Alberto di Luca, Ambassador of France Jean d’Haussonville, the President of the Association of Honorary Consuls Marc Lecourt. Source: Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta.