Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in the Principality Friday morning, in a visit that constitutes a significant chapter in the two countries’ bilateral relations.
While diplomatic relations between Monaco and Portugal were formally established in November 2007, consular ties date back to 1871. The Portuguese community also has a significant presence in Monaco, with 418 residents and around 4,300 workers.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese Head of State’s official visit marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time a sitting Portuguese president has made a state visit to the Principality.
The day began at 10:15am with full military honours in the Palace’s Cour d’Honneur, where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. After the national anthems of both countries were played, the Prince and President reviewed a military detachment led by Colonel Tony Varo, Commander of the Public Force.
Following a bilateral meeting, the two Heads of State exchanged official gifts and conferred national honours. Prince Albert II bestowed upon President Rebelo de Sousa the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles, while the Portuguese president presented the Prince with the Grand Collar of the Order of Christ and awarded Princess Charlene the Grand Cross of the same order.
Later, during an official luncheon, both delegations finalised and signed a framework cooperation agreement that had been under negotiation since 2018.
Exploring the historical ties between Monaco and Portugal
The afternoon programme underscored the historical connection between the two nations through oceanographic research. At the Saint Martin Gardens, the leaders unveiled a bust of Dom Carlos, the Portuguese king who, like Prince Albert I, was a pioneering oceanographer. In a heartfelt moment, students from the Lycée Albert Ier performed a dramatic dialogue between the two royal scientists before wreaths were laid at Prince Albert I’s statue.
Then, the visit concluded at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, where Prince Albert and President Rebelo de Sousa toured the ‘Monaco et l’Ocean’ exhibition, viewing exhibits highlighting Portuguese-Monégasque maritime links. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a protocol agreement between the Academy of the Sea and the Atlantic Center.
Monaco Life was there. See more in our video reel below…
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Main photo by Monaco Life.