The history, heritage and prestige of the Principality of Monaco were on full display at the 2024 National Day celebrations of Tuesday 19th November.
The Princely Family, including many members of the extended Grimaldi family tree, was front and centre during the festivities, which symbolised the enduring connections between the dynasty and the people of Monaco.
Here are some of the highlights of the day, as captured by the photographers of the Prince’s Palace and the Monaco Government Communication Department…
^ The day began with a solemn mass and Te Deum at the Cathedral of Monaco.
^ Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco are pictured side-by-side in the cathedral, which is the most prominent religious building in the Principality.
^ The Princely couple, seen on the steps of the cathedral, were greeted upon their exit by throngs of supporters who had turned out to celebrate Monaco’s Fête Nationale.
^ A military parade featuring the Carabiniers du Prince de Monaco, as well as members of the French Garde Républicaine, delighted the crowds on the Place du Palais.
^ The Orchestra of the Prince’s Carabiniers, accompanied by musicians from the French Army Choir, delivered a spectacular musical performance in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais Princier de Monaco.
^ Hereditary Prince Jacques was dressed in full military attire for National Day.
See more: Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella steal the show on Monaco’s National Day
^ One of the most touching moments of the day came when Prince Albert saluted his nine-year-old son, before giving the future Prince of Monaco a reassuring squeeze on his way past.
^ The extended Grimaldi family, including the children of Princess Stéphanie and Princess Caroline, assemble for a photocall.
^ The Princely family wave from a central balcony of the Palais Princier de Monaco.
^ Beneath the balconies, the crowd turned the Place du Palais into a sea of red and white flags.
^ The Palais Princier de Monaco aglow with patriotic colours.
^ As the day turned to night, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene led a retinue of Grimaldi family members onto the red carpet of the Grimaldi Forum.
^ The 2024 Fête Nationale concluded with a spellbinding invite-only performance of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
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Photos credit: Eric Mathon / Frédéric Nebinger / Michaël Alesi / Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco / Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department