Christian Garcia may have retired from the kitchens of the Prince’s Palace after almost 40 years, but his work for Prince Albert II is continuing in a new role.
A Sovereign Decision published in the latest Journal de Monaco appoints Garcia as the Prince’s Personal Representative for Gastronomy from 1st September 2026.
The appointment comes immediately after Garcia stepped down as head chef of the Prince’s Palace, where he had served the Princely Family since 1987.
The decision does not set out his formal responsibilities, but Garcia is expected to continue representing Monaco through international culinary events and organising charitable dinners around the world.
A career extending beyond the Palace kitchens
Garcia arrived at the Palace aged 23 for what was intended to be a seven-month replacement. He remained for almost four decades, serving Prince Rainier III and later Prince Albert II.
During that time, he prepared meals for the Princely Family as well as state dinners and official receptions attended by figures including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Angela Merkel.
His influence has also extended well beyond Monaco. Garcia is president of the Club des Chefs des Chefs, an international association bringing together the personal chefs of heads of state and government.
The organisation uses gastronomy as a form of cultural diplomacy while supporting charitable projects and encouraging cooperation between chefs serving world leaders.
His new appointment allows Garcia to continue that work with an official mandate from Prince Albert.
Cédric Chabaudie takes over at the Palace
Cédric Chabaudie has succeeded Garcia as chef to Prince Albert II and will oversee the day-to-day kitchens of the Palace.
Chabaudie comes to Monaco after working in the kitchens of the Élysée Palace, where he served the French presidency.
Garcia’s transition therefore brings an end to his daily work at the Palace while preserving his connection to the Sovereign and Monaco’s international gastronomic activities.
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Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Palais Princier