With the Princess Grace Rose Garden in full bloom, Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline headed down to the public park last Friday to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille, a bloom-filled public space that was founded in the late Princess’ memory two years after her death.  

A special celebration was held to mark the occasion on Friday 3rd May, and Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline, the eldest children of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, took part in the commemorations alongside other notable guests from the Principality and 35 children from the Centre de Loisirs Prince Albert II.  

The garden was filled with laughter and delight as the children took part in a treasure hunt and gardening workshops, while Prince Albert and Princess Caroline toured the selection of flowers presented as part of the Concours International de Roses Nouvelles de Monaco. 

A photography exhibition documenting the history of the garden and its many stages of construction was also erected for the event. It will remain on display for the rest of the year.  

See more: Pretty pink and ivory roses win the judges’ hearts at the Concours International de Roses

Roses were the favourite flower of Princess Grace as they are a symbol of femininity, representing love, beauty and balance.  

She is quoted as having once said, “What is so special about a rose that it seems far more than a flower? Perhaps it is the mystery it has gathered through the ages, perhaps it is the joy that it continues to give.”  

The garden, which was inspired by the layout of a typical English rose garden with touches of the Mediterranean, is home to more than 315 varieties of rose. The 6,000 specimens are divided into seven themes, with pathways that crisscross the park and encourage the visitor to stop and smell their unique perfumes.  

A bronze statue of Princess Grace that was made by Kees Verkade in 1983 overlooks the enchanting garden.  

For more information about the garden, click here.  

Click on the images below to see more of the day:

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Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco